By REGINALD KANYANE

TWELVE learners from disadvantaged backgrounds at Seabo High School in Kokomeng village near Taung said they were thrilled to receive a new pair of school shoes. This comes after a philanthropist, Keseokile “The Beast” Phakedi from Tlapeng 1 in Taung donated shoes to them.

One of the learners said she comes from a poor background and no one is working at home. She said receiving a new pair of shoes will enhance her to work hard and gain confidence among other learners.

“I am grateful because no one is working at home. So, receiving a pair of shoes will boost my confidence in class. You know some learners tease us for wearing worn-out shoes and that indirectly affects my school work because of lack of concentration.

“We need people like Mr Phakedi in our society who have the interests of our learners at heart. I’ll pray to God that he must give him strength and protection to continue with his initiative,” she said.     

Phakedi, who celebrated his birthday in style, said education continues to be a universal right to every child across the globe. He said, however, many children especially in deep rural areas continue to experience many challenges that hinder their full participation at school.

“It is heart-breaking to see some learners going to school with worn-out school uniforms, while others attend barefoot. I believe that learners need to be empowered through education, but that cannot be achievable if there are some obstacles along the way that will hinder the process,” he said.

Phakedi further said, in most cases, learners from rural areas are deeply affected by socio-economic challenges because of their backgrounds.

“I grew up from a poor background, so I know how that affects a pupil’s confidence. So, it has been five years since I embarked on this initiative. I have previously donated sanitary pads to female learners at various schools such as Walter Letsie High School, Keretetse Middle School and others.

“Even though I am doing this from my own pocket, soon I will register the Non-Profit Organisation (NGO), Kesokile Phakedi Foundation. The aim is to find a way to give back, not only to an underserved and important cause, but to a cause that resonated with the society,” said Phakedi.

He said the foundation will serve as a vehicle for change. Phakedi also encourages others to either come on board or do the same in their respective areas.

“To me, education has always felt personal. Remember, it always looks impossible until it is done as the late Dr Nelson Mandela said. So, we need to forge forward and promote education. In fact, we need to make it fashionable and create a prodigious society,” he said.

Meanwhile, Seabo High School’s Departmental Head, Kaelo Tlholagae said: “We are so grateful to have individuals like Mr Phakedi who have the interest of the pupils at heart. Many learners experience hardships and getting donations like this is heart-warming.

“Most of them come from poor backgrounds and they need to be empowered. We worked together with Mr Phakedi and his wife to identify 12 learners who deserve the donations. So, as the school we are thrilled.”

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