150 Mpumalanga pupils receive new school shoes in dignity-restoring initiative
The shoes were donated by the South Africa-China Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce.
In addition, 1400 pupils at the school were gifted 600 school bags and stationery from the Adopt-a-School Foundation.
This initiative is part of the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s Whole School Development (WSD) programme, which aims to improve all aspects of the learning experience in schools.
Chairperson for the South Africa-China Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce, Wang Sang Chan, said the chamber is committed in supporting under-resourced schools.
“Education is the bridge that connects nations, cultures, and hearts. It is important to contribute to education, for through the shared pursuit of knowledge, South Africa and China can build lasting partnerships, fostering mutual growth, understanding, and friendship,” said Chan.
At the joyful handover ceremony, the children’s faces lit up as they received their new shoes, a tangible reminder that they matter and deserve the best.
The school’s education infrastructure has seen remarkable growth since it was adopted by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in 2014.
In recent years, Mapaleni Primary School has established a library stocked with books, a trained librarian, and a renovated computer laboratory.
Teachers have also received support and development in critical areas such as language, mathematics and literacy.
Adopt-a-School Foundation CEO Steve Lebere noted the learners’ dignity has been restored as many of them did not have access to proper school shoes.
“Shoes are more than just protection for the feet; they are a symbol of dignity and equality, enabling children to walk with pride.
“For many of these learners, it is the first time they will be able to walk to school comfortably, and that makes a huge difference to their confidence and sense of belonging,” said Lebere.
In the same light, the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) under the Joburg metro donated computers and laptops to Lekang Primary School and Tshireletso Primary School in Soweto, including Mikateka Primary School in Midrand.
The handover ceremonies took place on Thursday and Friday, where each school received 20 computers and nine laptops.
This initiative will equip learners with the necessary technology skills, and narrow the digital divide between under-resourced and urban schools.
Acting CEO of the JPC, Musa Makhunga, emphasised that schools in the township continued to endure the plight of the digital divide, where access to the internet is minimal.
This isolates learners from educational opportunities, as they cannot acquire digital skills essential in a world where technology is rapidly advancing.
“Many under-resourced schools lack the technology and infrastructure necessary for students to develop the digital skills essential for competing in today’s world,” said Makhunga.
He added that this initiative will ensure pupils from indigent schools are not left behind in a technology-fast-paced world.
“This donation represents a crucial step towards empowering learners with the digital tools needed to enhance their academic performance and prepare for future opportunities in the digital economy.
"This initiative is part of the City’s efforts to bolster the education system. We truly hope this initiative will make a meaningful impact in supporting learners and assisting schools in effectively preparing students to achieve their academic goals and succeed," said Makhunga.
The Star
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