The principal and staff at Dr A.W. Habelgaarn Primary School in Bethelsdorp are challenging alumni, non-profit organisations and businesses to “adopt” a child to ensure that all learners have a school uniform for the start of the new academic year in January 2023.
The aim of this initiative is for the “adopter” to buy his or her “adoptee” a school uniform so that they can be ready to start the New Year on a better note.
Principal, Rochelle Botha, who stepped into this position last year, said that God had placed the initiative on her heart to try to be the change and to help make a difference.
“We are situated in the heart of the northern areas, where families are battling with issues of poverty, drug abuse, unemployment and gender-based violence, just to mention a few,” Botha said.
“When I joined the school last year, I experienced the deep need of our learners. I hereby invite or challenge [everyone] to assist and help be the change in the lives of these learners.”
She explained that the idea took form in her head when she realised that the learners showed no pride in their school.
“To me, it almost feels as if they think that the community does not care about them. Last year, I took it upon myself with the help of my family, friends and colleagues to empty our own cupboards and jump in to help.
“It was a huge shock when reality hit me and I realised that I can make a difference,” she said.
“This would mean so much to our learners. If I could only see what a new pair of shoes or even just socks would mean for a child, it would be enough for me.
“It would be so much appreciation on a different scale.”
She added that strangely enough, when she was only two weeks fresh in her new position as principal, members of the Christian Women’s Ministry of the Uniting Reformed Church (VGK-Kerk) surprised them with a donation.
She had realised then and there that there are people who care and she describes this as her motivation. She also plans on running this initiative yearly.
Botha explained that the girls need long- or short-sleeve white shirts with a dark blue skirt or grey school trousers, as well as short white or grey socks.
Jerseys and ties are available at Thanda Bantu in Korsten.
The ages of the girls range between six and 15 years.
For the boys, a blue or white shirt would suffice, with grey socks, grey school trousers and for both boys and girls, black school shoes.
The jerseys and ties for boys in the same age range are also available at Thanda Bantu.
“My wish is that the community would take us by the hand and help us make a difference in these children’s lives and very importantly, restore the dignity of the children.
“This is also to build Dr A.W. Habelgaarn Primary School up again as a beacon of hope for learners and the community. Nothing is impossible with God.”
- Anyone who would like to participate in the initiative can either contact the school on 078 868 2383 or Botha on 084 216 9942. E-mails can also be sent to her directly at: rochellebotha15@gmail.com
