By: Puleng Maphisa – 07 June 2024

Celebrated annually on 25 May, World Africa Day is known for bringing scores of people together adorned in beautiful African traditional attire, displaying the rich and diverse cultures of the continent.

This year, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) joined the Tseleme Cares Foundation (TCF) to mark the day in a unique way; where the Foundation donated a total of fifty-one (51) school uniform packs to deserving learners of the Goo-Seleka Primary School in the rural Ga-Khunwana Village, North West.

This gesture is in line with this year’s World Africa Day theme: “Education Fit for the 21st Century”, which aims to galvanise everyone to build a resilient education system for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa. The donations are proceeds of the Foundation’s 6^th Annual Charity Golf Day held earlier in the month at the Pecanwood Golf Estate and Country Club, where VUT also participated.

The joyful event was attended by parents and learners, the school management team led by Principal Rev. Segogwane Motlhoiwa; the School Governing Body (SGB); local councillor, Mr Victor Mogodu; Section Chief, Mr. Marumo Moipolai, and members of the Foundation led by Chairman, Mr. Kalane Rampai. Representing VUT at the event was Mr Peter Masombuka, Head of Alumni Relations.

The Foundation extended heartfelt thanks to all the golfers and sponsors who made the “Dress a Child” initiative possible over the years. “This program not only provides school uniforms but also boosts the self-esteem of young learners,” the Foundation said.

“It is heart-breaking to see children without uniforms. We, the schoolteachers, strive to support such learners in every possible way, but we often struggle to reach them all. The day I received a call from a TCF member saying they wanted to donate uniforms to our students, was truly exciting. You all don’t know the impact you’ve had. Our assemblies will never be the same again, they will be unique,” said Rev Motlhoiwa.

Guided by the saying, “If you go to help, please leave the camera behind,” the TCF has proven that we should all strive to do good with pure intentions, without seeking attention.