100 pairs of shoes donated to local learners

Centre Manager at Protea Gardens Mall, Kulani Nkuna in conjunction with the Mama Forum have embarked on an initiative to instil hope, dignity and pride to local children by donating school shoes in Protea South.

Nkuna said because Mama Forum’s goals and aspirations for the community line up with the centre’s social responsibilities, they decided to collaborate with them.

“We’re here to empower the kids. Protea South is a disadvantaged community, and we frequently witness children attending school without shoes.

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“In 2024, we shouldn’t have children without school shoes, which is why we felt compelled to intervene,” said Nkuna.

A hundred pairs of shoes were donated to local children and parents who were at the handover ceremony were overwhelmed and expressed heartfelt gratitude.

Speaking to Urban News, Mama Forum’s secretary, Mpho Shatlane stated that during a discussion with the principal of Protea South Primary School, the organisation acknowledged that a large percentage of learners being absent from the school is caused by not having school shoes.

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“The circumstances in the community and our awareness of the unemployment problem are what led us to believe that this project is necessary and that this project is also the first step towards encouraging our children to go to school,” said Shatlane.

She added that through this project a number of local learners will now be able to go school with dignity and pride regardless of their background.

One parent, Ntombi Cowsa said she is really appreciative of Nkuna and Mama Forum for their assistance in providing for the underprivileged families who cannot afford to buy school shoes for their kids.

“On behalf of all the parents present here, we are deeply grateful for the generous gesture and we hope that you will continue

to bless others in the future,” said Cowsa.