Gala dinner kickstarts donation drive for OVCs
ALEXANDRA – Foundation fundraises to ensure 'every learner deserves dignity'.
Respect and Ubuntu Foundation softened the hearts, minds and pockets of the endowed in the interest of Alex’s orphaned and vulnerable children (OVCs).
This was at a gala dinner in aid of children who, without support, may not reach their potential by exercising their minds and capacity to exit debilitating poverty.
The fundraiser, held on 6 March at Marlboro Community Hall, was for socially conscious business people and community leaders, charity organisations and celebrities and held under the theme ‘every learner deserves dignity’.
Foundation member George Moyo said they were into their eighth year of assisting poor children in 13 Alex primary schools and elsewhere to remain in and benefit from education. Their tentacles stretch to the Eastern Cape where, funding partnerships transformed a mud school to one of brick and mortar, provided school uniforms to children, added retired teachers to the staff compliment and donated transport to ensure children do not miss classes or drop out due to insurmountable distance.
Funds raised would target 130 children with psychosocial support and some personal needs. Persuading participants to give unconditionally Moyo said, “The donation will fulfil the children’s constitutional rights to education, health, shelter and, protection from neglect and malnutrition and other social services.”
Moyo said the support would complement government’s work, particularly the police and teachers who should be saluted and partnered with to rid society of the lamentable crime that sucks in poor children and away from better occupations that would benefit the country. “The psychosocial aspect is to ensure their emotional stability while sanitary pads will ensure girls do not miss out on school while menstruating. Both build up to their holistic service provision.”
Moyo urged better resourced Alexandrians to donate saying ‘charity begins at home’, and not brag when a neighbour’s child is suffering.
Tumi Nxumalo of the event sponsors Lurco mining company, urged the children to have passion, focus and education-driven vision in order to defeat any adversity. “It will give you peace and a sense of purpose in life which are invisible to those who slacken from a path towards better future for your self and family,” Nxumalo said urging them to dispel fear, negative criticism and cynism of them by others.
Politician and social commentator Ngila Muendane urged the children not to despair. “The poverty tag misrepresents your being, potential and purpose in life. “You are no lesser human than others and, changing yourselves for the better will start with you acknowledging your real identity and living purpose-driven lives,” Muendane said urging them to exploit their different qualities, methods to attain their goals and shun those who pity them.
Commending the initiative, former South African Ambassador to the United States of America Welile Nhlapho said educated children were the foundation of an empowered society, solidarity, dignity needed in the township. “It produces giants needed for the country’s transformation,” he said.
Nhlapho urged the foundation to also continue donating school uniforms to give the children identity, a sense of belonging and equality.
World IBO and WBF boxing champion Xolisani Ndongeni aka Nomeva(thorn) urged the OVCs to be disciplined, dedicated and determined in their education. “Others will do the rest to ensure you are clever and well-rounded persons with a bright and successful future.”
Hip-hop artist Thato Madonsela aka L-Tido said education would propel them to success. It will give you the confidence to excel in your chosen careers and to achieve accolades.
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