Underprivileged pupils from Nelson Mandela metro were jubilant when Social Development visited them on a ‘Back to School’ campaign.
Greenbushes Township was the area identified to host this campaign. Through door to door campaigns done by the department’s officials in collaboration with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other government departments, it was found that Greenbushes had many challenges that include high rate of unemployment, school dropouts and teenage pregnancy, according to Ms Linda Nombembe, a Senior Manager for HIV and AIDS programme.
“Having identified all these challenges, we decided to visit this area (Greenbushes) to make an immediate intervention, whilst, as government, we are still working on a long term plan,” Nombembe said.
170 pupils received school uniforms, with hundred receiving school bags, hundred members of respective families received blankets, hundred members of respective families received food parcels and hundred other families received bed mattresses. School uniform beneficiary Bunono Sangweni was joyful when he received his uniform.
“I was different to other students, but happy that after today I will look like every other student at our school,” delighted Sangweni said.
Food parcel recipient Mrs Gilane, who is fostering two children of her late sister, was in a joyous mood when she received her groceries.
“I am not working and it is difficult for me to feed my children. I am happy now that this grocery (from the Department of Social Development) will help my kids to go to school fed. I want to thank the Department of Social Development for looking after the poor,” She said.
The ‘Back to School’ campaign is an initiative designed to assist disadvantaged children who cannot afford the basic needs at school.
Issued by: Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
1 March 2010
Source: Department of Social Development, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.socdev.ecprov.gov.za/)
