In an effort to educate learners about the importance of preserving nature, Meals on Wheels from Gugulethu, together with Hlengisa Primary School in Nyanga, hosted a cleaning campaign at White City in Nyanga today.
Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organisation dedicated to combating food insecurity and poverty among the elderly, vulnerable and disabled people.
Meals on Wheels supervisor, Newton Bauleni, described the event as a special initiative for the school. He said the objective was to educate learners about the importance of keeping the environment clean. He added that the organisation not only feeds people, but also helps open doors for those who want to start small businesses.
“We are working in various communities across the metro. We also have programmes that empower people to start their own small businesses. We teach them how to sew, compile curriculum vitae and other skills. We want people to be independent instead of depending on the government,” said Bauleni.
He stressed that the aim is to instil a sense of independence in young people.
Hlengisa Primary School teacher, Xolela Peyi, described the initiative as educational. He said they want learners to apply the information they gained during the campaign at home and within their communities.
“We are trying to create a conducive environment for our people. We are not only cleaning the school, but the community as well. We are also appealing to the community at large to stop illegal dumping,” said Peyi, adding that they targeted Grade 7 learners.
He stated that it was the first time the school had undertaken such an initiative.
Ward 37 councillor, Sandile Martin, said it was encouraging to see young children taking the initiative. He said they are trying to change mindsets.
“Charity begins at home. That is what we are preaching today. We want learners to understand the importance of keeping the environment clean at all times. We encourage them to use wheelie bins or plastic bags for rubbish. It has become common to see rubbish discarded everywhere in our townships,” said Martin.
He praised Meals on Wheels for organising the initiative, saying it helps broaden learners’ perspectives.
Learner Owam Kewana (12) said the event was exciting.
“I learned about basic things like taking care of my surroundings, washing my hands before handling food, and stopping littering,” she said.
