Boost for rural schools to prevent drop-outs
THE Harry Gwala District Municipality in partnership with local businessman Meshack Ndongeni donated school uniforms to four rural schools in Kwazulu-natal.
These schools are under the Ubuhlebezwe, Harry Gwala, and Dr Nkosazana Zuma municipalities.
Harry Gwala District Municipality mayor Zamo Nxumalo said the initiative was aimed at encouraging learners from rural areas to value education and desist from dropping out of school.
“We want to ensure that rural schools get the necessary support and education empowerment. We thought it would be important that we visit all four of our local municipalities and identify schools that need uniform support,” said Nxumalo.
Ndongeni, who was involved in farming, said he was inspired to take part in the initiative to empower children via education, especially in rural areas.
“I myself had a difficult upbringing, but I was able to get educated and now I am a farmer. I wish the same for these children,” said Ndongeni.
Ndongeni, whose father died when he was 7 years old, shared an inspiring message.
“My father died when I was seven, but now I am educated and own a business. So I want learners to know that despite their background, whatever challenges they might face, and whatever dreams they have, it is possible,” he said.
The schools that received uniform donations were Ngcesheni Primary in Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Municipality, Sangcwaba Primary in Ubuhlebezwe exobho, Nomzamo Primary in Umzimkhulu and Summerfield in Kokstad.
Sangcwaba Primary school governing body chairperson Bhekelakhe Ndlovu expressed his gratitude. He said the donation would bring hope to young children to achieve their dreams in spite of their backgrounds.