There will be 30 learners less going to school barefoot at Umnqophiso Primary School in Lwandle, thanks to a donation by Fat Cats Athletics Club.
The donation was made by the club on Saturday 30 July. It is hoped that the donation will help to build confidence among the less fortunate learners.
According to the club, around 2016/17 they decided to make pledges and the money generated they nominated a struggling school to assist.
On the day learners received packs filled with shoes, socks, jersey and uniform.
Siyathakazela Mpahlwa, regional lead of the club, said they have already donated to schools in areas such as Khayelitsha and Kraaifontein.
“We identify different schools where there’s a need. We want to see these learners going to school comfortable and confident,” she said.
Mpahlwa believes education is a basic human right not a luxury and need to be enjoyed by every learner.
“Through healthy leaving we also want to touch lives. By coming to this school, we want to inspire these young children so that in future they can also be runners and plough back to their communities,” she said.
A parent Alice Meli thanked the club for their selfless gesture to the less fortunate.
“The truth of the matter is that these children come from different backgrounds with unique challenges. So, this donation will go a long way,” she said.
Ward 86 councillor Xolani Diniso said the donations will help boost the morale of the recipients.
“For children to progress in school it doesn’t start from what is written on the chalkboard, but by being confident and comfortable. This is very important as these children will now also feel they belong among their peers,” he said.
Diniso thanked the club for the donations, and teachers who identified the learners.