Learners from Wittebome High School spent 30 minutes at Parkhaven Old Age Home in Wynberg, leaving after having made a lasting impression on its 12 residents.

A programme built on purpose

The visit formed part of the school’s Outreach Programme, which aims to instil a caring nature into the school’s ethos through charity projects both inside and outside the school.

Principal Clarice Fortuin said the programme specifically sought to reach groups that often go unnoticed in the community.

“We wanted to start working within our community and focus on groups that are ‘silent’,” she said. “After doing some research, we found that there was an old age home just down the road and saw it as the perfect fit for what we wanted to do to make an impact in someone’s day.”

A packed afternoon

The learners did not arrive empty-handed. They came with a full programme designed with the residents in mind.

The afternoon included a game of Bingo, a heartfelt rendition of “All of Me” by John Legend performed by Mzomhle Zulu, hand massages for residents, and the handout of happy hampers the learners had lovingly packed ahead of the visit. Each one was filled with deodorant, conditioner, soap, sweets and tissues.

Moments that stayed

Afterwards, the learners sat with residents and engaged in open conversation. For many, those conversations proved the most meaningful part of the day. “Just listening to them speak about their youth was so pleasant,” said Alvine Tchala.

“Even though the visit was only 30 minutes, it felt like I accomplished a lot. One resident even reminded me to enjoy my youth.”

Hassan Jenkins said the physical acts of care struck a chord.

“Helping massage their hands and simply being there made me realise how much small acts of care mean. I left filled with joy for getting the opportunity to spread kindness.”

Not all 12 residents had family visiting that day. For Amelia Ngoyi, that reality made the visit even more purposeful.

“Being able to be with the residents who didn’t have family with them made me feel good because we were able to have an amazing time together.”

One encounter in particular left a mark that no classroom lesson could replicate. “I spent a few minutes with an elderly woman named Jessica,” said Anokende Nganda. “When she blessed me, wishing that everything I hoped for would find me, it stuck to my heart.”

Kamva Fonte, reflecting on the afternoon as a whole, said the experience reinforced just how much a simple act of showing up can mean to someone. For Fonte, the 30 minutes felt far longer, and far more significant. Fortuin said the visit reflected exactly the kind of values the school hopes to grow in its learners compassion, presence and a willingness to serve.

More to come

And this is only the beginning. The school’s outreach committee has already completed a uniform drive and has a number of further initiatives in the pipeline, with plans to visit more organisations and reach more people later in the year, proof that the programme’s impact is only set to grow.

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