Disadvantaged pupils from the East London Child and Youth Care Centre received complete school uniforms yesterday afternoon.The donation for 29 pupils was handed over by East London Industrial Development Zone CEO Simphiwe Kondlo yesterday afternoon.
Kondlo, who was accompanied by CFO Gift Matengamiri and other delegates from the IDZ, said the initiative was part of their corporate social investment programme.
“Our programme seeks to make a meaningful contribution to the promotion of community, society transformation and development, firstly in our immediate community and also in the greater Eastern Cape.”
Addressing about 50 children, Kondlo encouraged them to invest in the education they were getting from the centre and to create a positive change for their future.
“We believe that investing in you is very important, because you are important to us and you are the very people who will build this community in years to come.”
Luthando Lucas, 29, shared his experience of growing up in a home and becoming a success despite the odds.
“Today I hold a diploma, and a degree, and I’m currently doing my masters. Concurrently, I’m halfway through writing my book, I am, which talks about my struggles and how I came to be where I am.”
Lucas shared moments of his upbringing with the children, telling them he had always known that acquiring an education was the only thing he wanted because he knew it would open doors for him.
“Many people have lived and died and have gone unnoticed, but I have always wanted to be the one to make an impact in the world so that even when I have passed on, people can know I have a served a purpose.
A social worker and fundraiser at the centre, Lorne Robus, thanked the IDZ for easing the financial strain at the centre.
“We have received overwhelming support from the East London community at large with all the contributions ahead of the school opening.
“We also appreciate the continous support from the IDZ, which continues to follow through on all it’s promises to help.”
Robus said it was special for the pupils to hear from someone who had once been in the same shoes as they were now. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
Youth home inspired with gift of uniforms
The donation for 29 pupils was handed over by East London Industrial Development Zone CEO Simphiwe Kondlo yesterday afternoon.
Kondlo, who was accompanied by CFO Gift Matengamiri and other delegates from the IDZ, said the initiative was part of their corporate social investment programme.
“Our programme seeks to make a meaningful contribution to the promotion of community, society transformation and development, firstly in our immediate community and also in the greater Eastern Cape.”
Addressing about 50 children, Kondlo encouraged them to invest in the education they were getting from the centre and to create a positive change for their future.
“We believe that investing in you is very important, because you are important to us and you are the very people who will build this community in years to come.”
Luthando Lucas, 29, shared his experience of growing up in a home and becoming a success despite the odds.
“Today I hold a diploma, and a degree, and I’m currently doing my masters. Concurrently, I’m halfway through writing my book, I am, which talks about my struggles and how I came to be where I am.”
Lucas shared moments of his upbringing with the children, telling them he had always known that acquiring an education was the only thing he wanted because he knew it would open doors for him.
“Many people have lived and died and have gone unnoticed, but I have always wanted to be the one to make an impact in the world so that even when I have passed on, people can know I have a served a purpose.
A social worker and fundraiser at the centre, Lorne Robus, thanked the IDZ for easing the financial strain at the centre.
“We have received overwhelming support from the East London community at large with all the contributions ahead of the school opening.
“We also appreciate the continous support from the IDZ, which continues to follow through on all it’s promises to help.”
Robus said it was special for the pupils to hear from someone who had once been in the same shoes as they were now. — mbalit@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos