Pic: By Obakeng Maje(Nkitlang Primary School pupils in celebratory mood after receiving school uniforms)
By Obakeng Maje
Taung- Pupils came out in numbers at various schools to come and receive school uniforms from Friends of Taung Givers.
The Non-Profit Organisation is the brainchild of Sandy Gasekoma and Outlwile Moeng. The two Taung-born started their initiative early this year and have been providing identified schools with school uniforms to the needy.
Friends Of Taung Givers started off at Nkitlang primary school in Sedibeng village, near Taung on Saturday. More than 50 students weathered the early morning breeze and what one could see is despondency of pupils swing from desperation to happiness to pure jubilation of school uniforms, shoes and school bags.
“We are very fortunate to have people like Friends of Taung Givers. That alone need to be applaud, their support bring hope into our society. Let’s make sure that we encourage our kids to study hard as education is the only key to success” ward councillor Kedumetse Tyalimpi said.
The Friends Of Taung Givers in conjunction with African National Congress Women League in Taung donated shoes, school jerseys and school bags. The message of support conveyed by ANCWL chairperson in the province, mme Boitumelo Mahlangu shared the sentiment.
“The support we getting from this organisation is overwhelming. It is so sad and uncalled for to see any pupil without proper school uniform at this time. As the member of ANCWL, I do not think we will be happy to see any pupil quits school because she/he does not have proper school uniform” Mahlangu said.
Mahlangu said it takes a village to raise a child, so every human being must contributes in building the future of children.
Nkitlang primary school principal Modia Raito could not contain her happiness and said this one seems pretty obvious, but showing appreciation is about more than just saying “thank you.”
“We want to let our donors know that their donation is going to play a vital role in our school. We as teachers alone wouldn’t be able to continue with our teaching while other children are in need. We can’t achieve our valuable mission without generous people like Friends Of Taung Givers” she said.
The Friends Of Taung Givers extended their helping hand to Tshite Middle School and Picong Primary School in Baga-Maidi region.
In spite of the hardship of the pupils, there has been an unusual calm and happiness as recipients gratefully receive what has been on offer.
A grade 7 pupil at Picong primary school, Didintle Tsatsing,13, said she really appreciate and happy to see donors at her school because that alone shows that there are people who care.
The North West Department Of Education also encourages quality teaching and conducive learning environment. Sekete Matokonyane was part of the event and applaud the organisation in good work they do.
“I want Friends Of Taung Givers to be able to visualize their donation at work so that they can get real gratification out of the act of giving. For that reason, I want to applaud them and their donation will go a long way” she said.
Kgosi Kesekwaile Motlhabane also sent his message of appreciation and he had this to say. “I am over the moon and want to reassure you that the donations will be used as they intended. May the Almight bless you because of the difference you doing within our communities.”
Picong primary school principal Seitibaleng Seokamo could not hide her happiness and the deputy chairperson of SGB Mankareng Matshelo shared the same sentiments.
“Our intention is to make a difference within our communities. We rendering that helping hand and by helping the pupils especially those at primary, is our objective. By uplifting the lives of others, that will be beneficiary in a long run” Friends Of Taung Givers Co-founder, Sandy Gasekoma outlines.
Even though Gasekoma said they encounter some challenges as many schools are in demand, he said they will appreciate it more if many businessmen/women could come on board and donate too.
The Friends Of Taung Givers is a Non Profit Organisation and started their initiative early this year. They concentrating on helping under-privileged pupils.
He said the aim is to change the mindset of the people of Taung and that positivity will rubs off to the young ones, and eventually the whole society will be inspired.
So far ‘The Friends Of Taung Givers’ run the initiative from their own pockets and with help of some individual donors. The organisation said ploughing back is the best thing ever and encourage pupils to study hard as the ‘stars shine better in the dark’.
-TDN
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