The spirit of Ubuntu and community care came alive at Saldanha Primary School when learners, personnel and parents joined hands to support children in need through the Badisa West Coast Poppie Project.
The Poppie Project is a Badisa West Coast initiative aimed at supporting children and families experiencing difficult circumstances. Through the project, a Poppie doll represents a child in need, giving community members an opportunity to make a personal and meaningful difference in that child’s life.
Saldanha Primary School embraced the initiative wholeheartedly.
Each grade adopted a Poppie and received information about the needs of the child they were supporting. Learners, personnel and parents then worked together to collect items to meet those needs.
Through their generosity, the school collected and donated clothing, food items, toiletries, nappies, shoes and stationery.
What makes the initiative particularly meaningful is that it was more than a once-off donation.
The different grades came together around their adopted Poppie and considered the needs of a real child and how they could help. In the process, learners were given an important lesson in compassion – that caring for others is not only about giving what we have, but also about recognising when someone needs help and choosing to make a difference.
Badisa West Coast expressed its gratitude to the learners, personnel and parents of Saldanha Primary School for embracing the Poppie Project and demonstrating what can happen when a community comes together with compassion and purpose.
You can adopt a Poppie too
The initiative is also open to the wider community.
Community members can adopt a Poppie, representing a child in need, through the Badisa West Coast Poppie Project.
Once a Poppie has been adopted, Badisa West Coast provides a certificate outlining the needs of the child being supported. The person or group adopting the Poppie can then decide how they would like to assist, according to their means.
Support can include clothing, food, toiletries, stationery, shoes, nappies or another essential item. Donors can choose to assist with one specific need or support the child in whatever way they are able to.
You do not have to be a large organisation or have a big budget to make a difference. Every contribution counts.
Community members who would like to support the Poppie Project can also donate items directly at the Badisa West Coast office.
