Principal and pupil race for resources

RICHEM Secondary School Principal Sibusiso Mthethwa and his ‘Princess of the School’ Grade 8 pupil, Princess Sithole will run the Mondi 5km School Challenge on Sunday.

‘The aim of Princess and I doing the walk is to raise funds for our school to acquire the correct resources for our pupils. We have the facilities but we don’t have the equipment and it’s a struggle for our school because we have brilliant learners who have immense potential,’ said Mthethwa.

‘We have a library with not enough books or a desk that caters for Princess’s needs; we have a computer lab without equipment and certainly not any voice interactive equipment for our Princess, and the science lab stands are also not conducive to her needs,’ he said.

Born without arms, Princess Sithole, capable of doing everything an able-bodied person can, uses her legs and feet for every task.

‘She is such a hard working student and passed her first maths test this term so well. I am thankful for our staff who are attentive to our pupils’ needs.

‘Richem has a spirit of ubuntu and we thrive on seeing our pupils content and academically supported.’

Apart from her academic needs, Princess requires medical assistance.

‘Because she uses her body for balance and everything else, her spine is becoming C-shaped. To correct her growth, she needs medical procedures done and we welcome any aid,’ said Mthethwa.

‘So far, she is doing well with her academics and has big dreams for her future. She is focussed and knows why she is at school.

‘Judging by how she is performing, we have no doubt that she will one day excel at university too. She is such a capable learner, if she can continue to be nurtured and groomed, South Africa would have found a valuable asset that will contribute to our economy in a big way.

‘We also appeal to all Richem Secondary parents and friends to participate in the walk with Richem School team on Sunday, we need your support,’ he said.

The event, aimed at ploughing money back into the community, is a challenge between schools and the school who has the most participants who finish the challenge, will win a cash prize.