Police uplift destitute Ngwelezana pupils

EMPANGENI Saps members last week changed the lives of underprivileged Ngwelezana pupils, as they handed over necessary school items and highlighted the effects of bullying.

Captain Girlie Hlekwayo led a team of police officers and members of Empangeni CPF to Wood and Raw Primary School in Dumisani Makhaye Village.

From abusive behaviour on the school playground to intentionally disrespecting classmates, bullying is a widespread problem that can affect a child’s mental and emotional health.

Some of the many effects of bullying include:

• Faking illnesses to avoid having to attend school

• A low self-esteem

• Social isolation

• Unexplained bruises and injuries

• Becoming upset after using the internet or cellphone

• Becoming secretive about online activities.

‘Bullying is when a child or a group of children abuse their power to hurt or intimidate others. There are different types of bullying; verbal bullying, physical bullying, social or relationship, and cyber bullying,' said Hlekwayo.

'Parents and teachers should remember that both the bully and the child being bullied, need help.'

Hlekwayo’s lecture was followed by a special handover ceremony at which more than 30 pupils received gift parcels containing items like a school uniform and shoes, pens, lunch boxes, and sanitary pads for the girls.

Thokozani Shabangu, the school’s deputy principal, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school management and learners.

‘We are elated to have had such a beautiful programme planned for us by the police – our protectors. Our school is situated in a disadvantaged community and we have many children who come from impoverished families,' he said.

'The police identified our school and decided they could lend us a helping hand. Today they visited us with the CPF, to bring smiles to our children's faces by donating shoes and parcels.'

Empangeni CPF chairperson Alexandre Ndlovu said, ‘Our aim was to hand over parcels to the more disadvantaged learners of the school.

’We would have loved to have the whole community witness the beautiful gesture made by the police, but we thank Saps on their behalf for these generous donations.’

Also present was Kidz Lounge4 founder Nkosingphile Mthembu, who baked scones and biscuits for the pupils to enjoy after the ceremony.

'Kidz Lounge4 also gifted each learner with R2 pocket money to spend at school.'

Each gift parcel contained essential items such as school shoes, lunch boxes, soap, and writing material

More than 30 learners were gifted parcels with items including school uniforms and shoes

Captain Girlie Hlekwayo hands out gift parcels to Wood and Raw Primary School learners

Wood and Raw Primary School assembly