Grade R learners at Umnqophiso Pre-Primary School in Lwandle, graduated in style on Saturday 26 November.
They were pampered with new school shoes for their next grade, socks, and stationery to ensure they start their academic year on a high note.
The donations were a gift from a former Grade R learner at the school, Bakhulule Nkopo (17) and German volunteers.
Nkopo, who is now a Grade 12 learner at Parel Vallei High School in Somerset, asked people to buy him shoes as part of his birthday celebration. In return, she donated them to the pre-school.
The pre-school founder Nomaweza Victoria Mangqwengqwe said with many challenges faced by the community, such a gesture would play a vital role.
“Our pre-school is a private school and parents are supposed to be paying R200 a month. But, with the challenges brought by Covid-19, many parents have been unable to pay, so this donation will help them a great deal next year,” she said.
“As a pre-school, it is important for us that those that leave the school represent it well in the outside world. It is in that vein that we feel so proud of Bakhulule’s effort and others out there that are making a difference,” said Mangqwengqwe.
She said each year, during this time, they celebrate the hard work and dedication of their learners and staff.
“The involvement of our parents and community in all our school activities is outstanding.
“Their relentless efforts ensured that our school excels in promoting early education,” said Mangqwengqwe.
Bakhulule’s mother, Olive Oliver said she was proud of her son’s actions.
“My son’s foundation began there and he was well groomed. It is for that reason for the past three years we go there to donate shoes while he also spend some time with the children,” she said.
