Seeing children wearing ragged and dirty school uniforms and scuffed shoes prompted 13 soldiers from the 6 SAI Military Base to take action. Forming the Bondi Social Club, the group of soldiers aims to alleviate the difficulties of children coming from disadvantaged homes.
Seeing children wearing ragged and dirty school uniforms and scuffed shoes prompted 13 soldiers from the 6 SAI Military Base to take action. Forming the Bondi Social Club, the group of soldiers aims to alleviate the difficulties of children coming from disadvantaged homes.
Advocates of school uniforms argue wearing of uniforms that creates a feeling of pride and loyalty among school pupils and puts all the children on an equal footing.
However, the argument backfires when pupils’ uniforms are ragged, or they have none at all. This has been the case with some pupils at Samuel Ntsiko Primary School, in Joza. Many of these children are orphans while others are from child-headed homes.
“We were walking about in town last year, when a friend of mine saw a child in a uniform that was in tatters. This image struck a nerve and the gentlemen decided to form an organisation aiming to help needy children. And so Bondi Social Club, was born,” said Kasa Msidi, a founding member of the club.
The members make a contribution of at least R100 a month. When enough money has been accumulated, they visit township schools and donate food or clothing.
Who benefits?
On top of their list this month was Samuel Ntsiko Primary School, where they donated full school uniforms to 11 school children, between grades 1 and 6.
“I’m so happy, now that I have a school uniform,” said one Grade 1 pupil, who had been making do with a pair of oversized jeans, instead of a regular school skirt.
The school also has an organisation, called the Health Advisory Committee, formed by the teachers, to help children from poor homes.
“Every year the committee takes a number of children reported ill by their parents or guardians and provides them with the health care they need,” said teacher Mase Nonceba.
Principal Nombulelo Koliti expressed delight at the soldiers' donation.
“I'm eternally grateful of their good gesture,” she said. “This has shown us a different version of the soldiers. They are not only brave, but are also good-hearted individuals. I’m truly ecstatic about for the recipients of the uniforms.”
