In a combined effort between the Bishop Lavis Community Forum, a local doctor and the police, shoes were handed over at Bergville Primary School.
According to Sgt Samantha Adonis, police spokesperson, the gift of the shoes was in reaction to bullying.
“Many children go to school without shoes and are bullied because of that. Some go to school without the correct shoes and feels like outcasts. Given them shoes is to restore some dignity. We know that children can be sweet, but some children can be very vicious with their school mates,” says Adonis.
According to Adonis this initiative is just the beginning of many projects this group is envisioning.
“We are thinking of doing more to help the children from this community. There are many children in this community who’s parents cannot afford basic school clothes and if we can make a small dent in this, we are glad. No child should ever skip school because he feels he doesn’t belong there,” says Adonis. Adonis thanked the doctor who donated money for the shoes. “If we can get more people in our community to do something to help others, all our problems can be solved. We invite other people in our community to help out the police,” says Adonis.
