Life will never be the same for a group of learners from Nyanga and Gugulethu after they received new school shoes from Lokshin Pioneers and the City of Cape Town’s Sub-Council 13 on Wednesday 25 January.
At least 50 learners from Iliwa, Vuyani, Nomlinganiselo, Litha and Mvula primary schools benefitted from the gesture.
The initiative, a part of the back-to-school campaign by Lokshin, was held at Fezeka municipality offices in Gugulethu.
Each school identified 10 needy learners.
The founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the organisation Bontle Ntaba described the initiative as part of giving back to the communities.
Lokshin Pioneers is a non-profit organisation (NPO) based in Gugulethu. It is working closely with children, mainly from disadvantaged communities, in an attempt to assist them with their needs.
Ntaba said she established the organisation in September last year after she witnessed the living conditions of most black children.
“In 2021, I was doing my in-service training for Child Psychology at Vuyani Primary School in Gugulethu. I noticed that most children were coming to school wearing flip-flops and others bare feet.
“I was touched and I decided to establish this organisation to assist every child that comes from disadvantaged communities,” said Ntaba, adding that her vision is to see the organisation grow and assist many children across the province.
Sub-council 13 chair Noluthando Mkasi described the event as a great initiative. She believes that the shoes will boost the learners’ self-esteem.
She said as the sub-council they realised that some of the learners needed to be assisted further.
“We identified two learners during the event that need to be assisted with school uniform and hair treatment. We committed ourselves to do that. I requested two other councillors to handle that,” she stated.
Liwa school principal Mlungisi Fani thanked the NPO for the donation. He stated that the learners would be motivated to go to school.
“We are happy with the contribution that was made by the Sub Council 13 and Lokshin Pioneers.
“Most of our learners are coming from disadvantaged areas and some of their parents cannot afford to buy a full uniform because they are unemployed. We believe such donations will make a difference,” said Fani.
Inga Bholoshe (8), a Grade 3 learner from Nomlinganiselo, expressed his appreciation of the shoes.
“I’m so happy with the new pair of shoes. I want to thank the organisation that donated the shoes. I will ensure that I keep them safe,” said Bholoshe.
