South Africa: Boplaas Mandela Day School Shoes Donation

The Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison brought smiles and cheer to the learners of Boplaas Primary School, 85 km outside Upington, with our Mandela Day contribution of school shoes, socks, bag packs, money savers and treats.

The rural school is one of the two schools that were earmarked to receive the assistance by our department. This follows assessments that found that in some rural areas learners walked long distances to school while some of the learners had never owned a pair of school shoes.

The 35pairs of school shoes donation to the school is part of our non-motorised transport initiatives while also trying to make walking more comfortable for the learners. The rural school's principal, Mrs Edith Esau said the provision made for the learners by our department was much needed and is well appreciated.

"Our children need these school shoes. Some of them, their parents cannot afford the school shoes while some parents have to take them on credit and have their wages be deducted, leaving them with little, just to make the payment. Our children really appreciate the assistance as some of them don't have school shoes. Some of our learners' school shoes have become too small or have holes in them."

Mrs Esau said not only will the assistance boast the learners' morale but it comes at a much needed time when its winter and the learners need to keep warm the most. Some of the learners could not help but give their thanks for the contribution we made as a department.

"I'm very happy because I have new shoes and they are very pretty. I also have a new school bag which I can use to put my school books in," said Grade 5 learner of the school, Lee-Ann Olan.

Her peer, Catline Izaks said she was proud of what she had received. "I'm happy for all that I have received because they are mine and they are new. I'm going to use my new school bag and put my books, pencils and my other school things in it. I also have brand new beautiful school shoes," said the grand 6 learner with a smile.

Director for Transport Operations in the department, Ms Gladys Botha said to the learners, "our presence here is not only to give you school shoes and some of the things we have brought for you but to show you love and encourage you."

She explained to the learners the various means of transportation and their importance while she also encouraged them to consider careers in the transport industry which avails much. Our department's initiative is also encouraged by the fact that walking is regarded as a mode of transport as transportation is part of our department's mandate.

Our department will continue to spread the cheer today at Elandsvlei Primary school outside Calvinia with further school shoes, bag packs and other goodies' contribution.

Mandela Day is a call to action for people everywhere to take responsibility for changing the world into a better place. We are requested to devote 67minutes of our time in community service and good deeds for others. Mr Mandela, whom the call honours, spent more than 67years serving others and to heed the call our department will have more projects throughout the month of July in his honour.

Background

The focus for our department in school shoes donations is on rural or farm schools where there is no provision for learner transport or where other modes of transportation are limited or not available.

This year's school shoes distribution at the two schools will also form part of a distribution of full school uniform and school shoes to be distributed in Fraserburg where the main Provincial Government Mandela Day Programme will unfold.

For any enquiries contact:

Keitumetse Moticoe, Communication Officer

Cell: 074 251 6567 or 082 064 7003

Issued by: Northern Cape Transport, Safety and Liaison

16 Jul 2013

Issued by: Northern Cape Transport, Safety and Liaison

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/201307170952.html

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