Reeston resident in drive to provide school uniforms, shoes
Yondela Mxoli is calling on volunteers and others who can contribute to her donation drive to get school uniforms for pupils who need them.
Mxoli started the project in November and is helping learners in three schools.
“Since all the learners come from the same area [in Reeston] and are faced with similar situations at home, I decided to cover them all even though I attended Nkangeleko Primary,” said Mxoli.
Mxoli said that she noticed how many young people rely on the government after they completed their tertiary education and then did nothing for the community.
“It is my vision that since I reside in the area and attended one of the primary schools here in Reeston, and because I know how it feels to go to school barefoot, to help these pupils.
“I have identified children who come from child-headed homes and the social grant they get isn’t enough.
“They often end up not being able to afford school shoes and uniforms as there are a lot of them at home.”
She said what touched her the most was seeing a child who only had the collar of a school shirt beneath their jersey.
“You would think they are wearing the full shirt but it’s just the collar that extends below the shoulder and under arms.
“That was when I felt that as a community we can help out with donations,” she said.
“Another concern is the rate of school dropouts starting from grade R to grade 12 because of the socio-economic challenges.”
Mxoli mentioned that another motivation for launching the initiative was the start of children going back to school. She has collected four pairs of shoes since the beginning of the year.
“Bear in mind I don’t have any financial means to do it.
“I’m still approaching people to help me out.
“Some funds have been promised and some pupils haven’t received donations yet.”