Babies Behind Bars initiative takes off
The learners from the school have devoted themselves to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
LEARNERS from Brackenhurst Primary school have taken it upon themselves to make a difference in the lives of people who need help the most.
Some working together as community group affectionately named the MAD (Make a Difference) Club, taking their own initiative to collect money, goods or to give their time to assist people who are in need.
The RECORD visited Brackenhurst Primary to speak to some of these intrepid learners about their initiatives.
Babies behind bars
Two of these learners who want to make a difference, Chevonne De Augair and Dunay Vorster, came to the realisation that there was a need to help after visiting a prison. “It broke our hearts to see how many babies are in prison,” said De Aguiar
They decided to create a challenge in support of Babies Behind Bars, a charity that provides support to these babies who reside in prison. Together with their friends they sent out fliers and emails, and spread their challenge by word of mouth, all leading to them being well on their way to creating 500 packs that included necessities for the Babies Behind Bars.
Keanu Singh also took the plight of the Babies Behind Bars to heart. Of his own accord, asked ladies from an old age home to assist him.
The ladies knitted blankets, teddy bears, beanies and booties for 10 babies which were donated to the Babies Behind Bars Foundation. Kemrin Reddy has appealed to organisations to help with the Babies Behind Bars’ cause, sending emails and asking for donations. One such organisation she contacted for assistance was Nedbank.
All things worthy
Gemma Cioravich and Kevaan Naransammy led a stationery drive among the Grade Sevens to collect stationery for a nursery school in Mondeor. Together they collected six paper boxes and several black bags worth of stationery. “We realised we are very fortunate to always have a pen to write with,” said Ciorovich.
Another charity action that lies close to the school’s hearts is the Hidden Treasure Charity Shop. The shop takes second-hand items that are donated and sell them to raise funds. The funds raised at the store support 290 orphans.
The children volunteer their time, and Nathan Watt who has volunteered to work many times shared his experiences. “I do it to help the less fortunate,” said Natan. He also shared the joy he gets from the work and experiences with customers.
The MAD Club visited The Love of Christ Ministries to give them cartons of milk and formula on April 8 as they had run out earlier in the month. They brought the children Easter eggs and bookmarks, and sang and played with the children.
“The Grade Seven learners were very emotional,” said Melody Pheiffer, the teacher who works with the MAD Club. “One child asked her mom not to give her a birthday present but rather to buy a gift for one of the toddlers she bonded with.”
During the Easter period drive, Trennon Welthagen raffled an Easter hamper which collected R7 600. The money of this raffle went towards a child with cancer. “I wanted to make a difference,” said Trennon.
The MAD club worked together to collect around R5 500 towards the Smile Foundation who supports children with Moebius Syndrome.
Truly these young people are making a difference in their world.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox: Newsletter-Signup
