From an informal structure in her backyard, Hazel Booysen has been assisting children in Hankey with their homework and school projects.
Now, she plans to host a fund-raising event on May 7, at Vuzumzi Landu Hall, to repair the holes in the structure before the winter season starts.
In 2019, Booysen began assisting two children in the area with their homework, since many parents did not always have time to help with homework and school projects.
She then established Tutor Spot, a homework centre for school children and has been using an informal structure in her backyard to help at least 23 learners between the ages of seven and 16 each day after school.
“Initially I was sceptical about starting this homework centre because I was not sure if it was going to work, but as time went by, I started loving it,” said Booysen.
“It is great to see that the children are happy to receive the assistance and are excited to be among their friends from different schools.”
Even though Booysen is thankful that she has a place to assist the children, she said the informal structure has many holes, which she hopes to repair before the winter season starts.
Earlier this year, when Gabriel Plaatjies, a local poet from Hankey, learnt about Booysen’s good work in the community, he reached out to her and suggested they arrange a fund-raising event for the refurbishment of the centre.
Plaatjies who relocated to Cape Town last year said since the homework centre positively impacted the people in his community, he felt that it was his responsibility to contribute towards the initiative. “I always see the need for programmes that benefit the community and keeps young people away from drugs and crime,” he said.
Plaatjies, who is the founder of Big Show Productions and is the co-founder of Hankey Performance Art Development, which focused on developing young people for a career in the arts industry, said even though he will not be able to attend the fund-raising event, he has appointed members from his development programme to help organise and perform at the fund-raising event.
The members include Elvino Fortuin and Katelyn Fortuin.
“This fund-raising effort will hopefully encourage more people to get involved with similar projects to help the people in our community,” said Plaatjies.
Looking forward to the fund-raising event, Booysen said people could expect an entertaining evening where children from the community will showcase their talents which include dancing, rapping, singing and drama skills.
“With the money raised, I want to get new planks to close the holes at our homework centre and hopefully make the centre bigger to accommodate more learners.
“Any money that is left over will be used to help the learners with any other items they may need for school,” said Booysen.
Leading up to the event she said she hopes to receive donations or assistance to ensure that the event is a success.
The fund-raising event will take place on May 7 at Vuzumzi Landu Hall in Hankey and will start at 19:00.
Tickets cost R20 and can be purchased by contacting Booysen on 083 370 6082.
