A simple act of collecting reusable shopper bags to fill with nutritious food and treats not only provided sustenance but also brought joy and a sense of belonging to the learners of the Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy Saturday School.
Johannesburg, South Africa (08 October 2024) – An initiative born out of a desire to help students struggling to get nourishing food has become a cornerstone of St Stithians Girls’ College‘s community outreach efforts.
The college’s most recent and heartwarming initiative saw it appealing to parents to kindly donate spare Woolies black shopper bags to be used for a really great cause.
The college managed to collect 300 bags, which were repurposed to make goodie bags for the children who attend the Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy Saturday School at the college campus.
According to St Stithians Girls’ College, the children who attend the academy mostly come from disadvantaged backgrounds, which compelled parents to establish a feeding scheme that usually feeds about 1,000 children on Saturdays so that they are not hungry in the classrooms.
“It made no sense that this was happening right under our noses on our own campus and so the GC PTA began a feeding initiative where each grade from Grade 8-12 was responsible for a Saturday.
“It has been the most humbling experience ever! And has since rolled out in the other schools on campus including the Boys Prep and Girls Prep),” shares Samantha Nupen, St Stithians Girls College PTA Thandulwazi Rep.
More recently, only 300 learners were planned to attend the Saturday classes, which fell during the school holidays in September.
As part of the Heritage Day celebrations, the college wanted to do a little something extra special for the learners by creating goodie bags.
“We didn’t want the kids to have to leave the festivities to get lunch, so we filled the collected Woolies bags with a sandwich, juice, chips, fruit, sweets etc.,” says Nupen.
The Thandulwazi Maths and Science Academy was created in 2005, a pioneering initiative of St Stithians College to provide educational growth opportunities for students and teachers based in public schools in greater Johannesburg.
Head of Thandulwazi, Mr Velaphi Gumbi, said the event was a resounding success, commending the meticulous planning by the Head, PTA and the Girls’ College community.
“The dignified packaging and distribution of refreshments to our students were particularly noteworthy and truly embodied the spirit of belonging and inclusivity that the Heritage Day Celebration aimed to promote.
“We express our sincerest gratitude to the PTA and girls for being at Corlette Gate for the distribution. Your efforts have not only provided our students with a memorable experience but have also reinforced the values of Ubuntu and cultural appreciation. It was special for all of us,” a grateful Gumbi said.
To support the incredible efforts of St Stithians Girls’ College’s feeding scheme, contact Samantha Nupen at sam@nupen.co.za or call 011 577 6300.
Sources: St Stithians College
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