A Zolani resident has taken it upon herself to help less fortunate children get dressed for their matric balls.
In her final year of school Bulelwa Luthango never had the opportunity to attend her own matric ball.
“I come from a disadvantaged background,” she explained. “I didn’t have the means to attend my own matric ball. And now I want to help other children who don’t have the means. I know there are some parents that are just ignorant about it, but it is not fair towards their children.”
Luthango started her project in 2017 and has enjoyed tremendous support from local businesses and individuals.
“This year I want to start the project earlier that I normally do,” she said, “to make it possible to help even more disadvantaged children and give them an opportunity to attend this rite of passage. And the fact that the Ashton community on the whole has been so supportive means so much to me. It makes me feel really good, and it shows other people care too.”
Luthango operates confidentially and never divulges the identity of those she helps. “It is not necessary for others to know their clothes were borrowed, donated or bought by someone other than their family. You know how cruel other children can be with their jokes and words. It is none of their business.”
She hopes she will be able to help more children in future and be able to grow this project of hers to help matriculants in the whole of the Langeberg district.
“I know I can’t change the whole world, but to be able to only help one person means a lot to me.”
Luthango explains people can donate their old matric-ball clothes that are collecting dust at the back of their closets, or if they are of means they can buy an outfit for a disadvantaged matric student.
To join this project and help less fortunate students dress-up for their matric ball, she can be contacted by Luthango on 083 245 4943.
