School uniform project sews big smiles
Pupils from 22 schools get to wear new uniforms.
MORE than 440 scholars from rural areas in Zululand were handed brand-new school uniforms in a programme spearheaded by Zululand Anthracite Colliery (ZAC) and the Ukhozi FM’s Cares project.
Pupils from 22 schools in Nongoma and Mahlabathini were overjoyed to receive their new attire aimed at bringing them a sense of pride and belonging at school.
‘As we recently celebrated Human Rights Day, it is only fitting to hand over uniforms that we hope will bring dignity and respect to our young recipients,’ said ZAC Managing Director Niels Kristensen at the uniform handover event.
Kristensen said ZAC was approached by DJ Sgqemeza (Sipho Mbatha) in 2011 for funding towards 125 uniforms as part of Ukhozi FM’s Cares project.
‘ZAC management agreed to assist on condition schools from the mine’s host communities were included as beneficiaries of the project.
‘DJ Sgqemeza came back with 12 schools he had identified in our area for us to sponsor while he personally sponsored three schools.
‘In 2011, 125 children received new school uniforms and this number has now grown to 440.’
Offering support and advice, DJ Sgqemeza encouraged the children to show their appreciation for the uniforms they received by studying hard and doing the best they can with what they have.
‘Education is the key to everything we do and through education, we can hope for our young ones to have a better future,’ said Sgqemeza.
Kristensen also announced a partnership with Dreamfields and Moves for Life to host soccer and chess champions to nurture talent in the area.
He said the success of the projects and programmes being shared with the school children would not be possible without the support from the Department of Basic Education and the commitment from the school principals and teachers who would implement the programmes.
DJ Sgqemeza summed up the day as ‘being not just an event, but a positive change in the lives of the children, who will remember it forever’.
