More than 30 primary school learners benefited in the public-private-partnership between the Mpumalanga Department of Safety, Security and Liaison and a renowned clothing store (PEP).
This is after school uniform to the value of R15 000 was donated to two schools in the Gert Sibande Region last Friday.
Led by MEC Vusi Shongwe, both the department and PEP stores visited the schools situated in the deep rural areas of Piet Retief and Breyten. The two schools were identified by local leaders including the police and members of the Community Police Forum (CPFs).
Children from poor families were prioritised on the issuing of uniforms of which it is a basic necessity for school going children.
Presenting the uniform to the schools, Shongwe encouraged the learners to focus all their energy on their studies and that they must stay away from criminal activities. He also urged the learners and teachers to be closer to the local police to enhance the fight against crime.
He requested the learners to ensure that they remain in classes for the duration of the prescribed school hours and that he (MEC) has the necessary support to push loitering learners out of the streets to classes.
However, the MEC was shocked to see a small number of learners at the Blesbok Primary School in Piet Retief.
According to the principal, the problem was caused by the late arrival of the scholar transport ferrying learners to the school. This led to the MEC requesting a report about the matter in order to intervene.
“Education is everybody’s business and that is the reason we have visited the school early in the morning to hand over the school uniform and also encourage the learners to learn. If some learners are not at school early, it makes the work of government to be difficult,” he said.
According to Shongwe, the report will enable him to thoroughly discuss the matter together with the MEC for Education in a bid to find a solution.
Mr Justice Maligudu of PEP Stores committed that his company will always be behind the project as it empowers the needy, claiming that they are not only in the money making business, but they are also passionate about empowering the nation.
Under its Overall Friday campaign, the department will continue donating school uniforms to more schools in the other regions of the province.
The campaign advocates for practical assistance within the community in an effort to enhance service delivery. Among others, activities of the Overall Friday campaign include donating food parcels to poor families, assisting home based care centres by providing resources, visiting police establishments and raiding taverns and shebeens.
For enquiries please contact:
Mr Joseph Mabuza
Tel: 013 766 4055
Cell: 082 678 1450
Shongwe donates school uniform to needy children
Province
