Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Rondebosch Boys’ making a difference
“WE STILL have more than enough time to raise the money again, and the R11 000 would mean a lot more to people who need food right now than it would to us”.
These were the words of Cameron de Kock, a Grade 11 pupil and student representative council (SRC) member at Rondebosch Boys’ High School.
Cameron, along with the rest of his grade, donated their matric ball savings for next year to help feed residents impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Through an external dance fundraiser, earlier this year, they raised
R11 000 towards their traditional school farewell event, but instead, used it for Howard’s Soup Kitchen which feeds the underprivileged.
The food parcels were distributed in an informal settlement in Diep River called the “Gatjie” last week.
The drive started when Cameron wanted to do more for his local community and approached his geography teacher Oliver Slingers.
The educator invited the
Rondebosch resident to go with him to visit a few organisations, and the Diep River-based soup kitchen was selected as the beneficiary.
Cameron said: “All the Grade 11s voted and agreed to donate the money to Howard’s Soup Kitchen.
“It’s a really good feeling to see exactly who’s day you’re making, and the amount of gratitude they have for something that could seem very mundane to us,” he said.
“I would like to encourage as many people as possible to try and make a difference with any means they have available”.
A good friend of Cameron and fellow Grade 11 pupil at Rondebosch Boys’ High School, Rajiv
Hofmeister, said he is honoured to be part of this project.
“It’s far too easy for privileged individuals, like myself, to live in a bubble, without acknowledging the daily struggles faced by many people in our country. Being involved in projects like these allows you to see how difficult life can be for people, and helps you to appreciate everything that you have,” he said.
Slingers said: “Cameron and his team sourced and packed the boxes for distribution. I served mainly in a supervisory and facilitation capacity, helping out where and when was required.”
Rondebosch Boys’ High School headmaster Shaun Simpson said this initiative has been completely pupil-driven.
“These young men have developed
Ia social conscience and feel empowered to make a difference and to be active citizens. One of the arms of school activity is civic responsibility and engagement. It is one thing to have structures in the school, but it is exactly the outcome you want when students take ownership and implement social responsibility in the community beyond the school,” he said.
The founder of Howard’s Soup Kitchen, Howard Davids, said: “It is not just about my wife Odile and I being on the streets to feed those in need, but those who are assisting us to make it a success. Well done to Rondebosch Boys’ High School for getting Cameron involved.”