Moved by the story of a 15-year old learner who endured pain and challenges in her personal life and economic difficulties, led the businessman Given the Giver to adopt the financial needs of the learner and also donated 100 pairs of school shoes to the economically disadvantaged learners of the Etwatwa Secondary School in Watville on May 10.
Given the Giver foundation was established by Gauteng businessman and politician, Given Muhlarhi who is determined to empower South African communities.
According to the Giver, the notion of contributing occurred after being moved by the predicament of a 15-year old girl student who has encountered personal issues.
“The story of the girl struck me so profoundly because there were serious family issues that affected her ability to attend school. As a result, one of the leaders in her community approached me and informed me about the problem,”
“Since I do ‘The Giver’ programs, in which I donate needed school staff to school children. I then decided to visit the family and discovered that there were serious problems.”
The learner was placed in the school in the middle of the year which made Muhlarhi take care of the financial needs of the learner and saw a need to donate the 100 pairs of school shoes.
The school’s principal, Farirai Rufetu commended Muhlarhi’s efforts in bringing back the dignity of the learners.
“The poverty in the school is visible and the school needs people like Muhlarhi. School shoes are important for a learner because I have experienced the pain of not having school shoes.
He further said since winter is approaching and it will be colder shoes are important. Learners tend to lose concentration. So if a learner has school shoes, it will make one concentrate on schoolwork rather than issues that parents should resolve,” said Rafetu.
“My shoes were torn and since it is cold, it was difficult for me to concentrate, I am excited to have these pair of shoes,” said one happy learner after receiving the shoes.
By Simphiwe Nkosi
