BUSHBUCKRIDGE- In a heartwarming act of generosity, 150 orphaned and vulnerable children at Mapaleni Primary School in Mkhuhlu received donations.
School shoes, 600 school bags and stationery were donated by the South Africa-China Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce and the Adopt-a-School Foundation.
Wang Sang Chan, Chairman of the South Africa-China Shenzhen General Chamber of Commerce, expressed the Chamber’s commitment to supporting under-resourced schools.
“We are proud to partner with the Adopt-a-School Foundation to provide essential resources where they are needed most. Education is the bridge that connects nations, cultures, and hearts. It is important to contribute to education, for through the shared pursuit of knowledge, South Africa and China can build lasting partnerships, fostering mutual growth, understanding, and friendship.”
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This initiative is part of the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s highly impactful Whole School Development (WSD) programme, which works with schools to improve all aspects of the learning experience. From school leadership and curriculum development to infrastructure upgrades and social welfare support, the WSD programme ensures that schools like Mapaleni are equipped for success.
Mapaleni Primary has seen remarkable growth since it was adopted by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in 2014. With the Foundation’s ongoing support, the school has benefited from strategic planning, leadership development and a range of educational enhancements. This includes a library stocked with books, a trained librarian and a renovated computer laboratory. Teachers have received support and development in critical areas like language, mathematics and literacy.
Steven Lebere, Chief Executive Officer at the Adopt-a-School Foundation, emphasised the importance of this donation.
“Shoes are more than just protection for the feet. They are a symbol of dignity and equality, enabling children to walk with pride. For many of these learners, it is the first time they will be able to walk to school comfortably, and that makes a huge difference to their confidence and sense of belonging,” he said.
