Over 200 pupils in township schools will now be better prepared for each school day after receiving diaries from a local non-governmental organisation.
Over 200 pupils in township schools will now be better prepared for each school day after receiving diaries from a local non-governmental organisation.
Thanks to an initiative driven by local Awarenet co-ordinator Terri-Lynn Penney a large portion of the diaries were handed over to CM Vellem and Khutliso Daniels pupils this week.
The recipients were Grade 8 and 9 pupils involved in the Awarenet programme.
Penney realised the need for the collect-a-diary drive while chatting to two school teachers late last year.
They mentioned how their pupils often arrive at school without having done their homework.
The teachers said the kids didn't have homework books so their homework doesn't get done.
From early December Penney approached various local businesses and posted a plea for diaries on Facebook.
National Arts Festival director Ismail Mahomed was the first to help out, donating over 30 diaries and spreading the word.
He shared a Facebook status reading: “Terri-Lynn Penny is one of the remarkable people in Grahamstown who works hard at investing skills amongst young people. Her life-skills programme includes teaching computer literacy, sports activities and introducing her learners to the arts. She is looking for 2013 diaries for her students.”
When Makana Brick CEO Colin Meyer heard about the initiative he immediately sponsored 200 diaries.
At the diary handover at CM Vellem on Tuesday, Lunga Twaku of Makana Brick spoke to the pupils, reminding them how important education is.
He also encouraged pupils to attend school every day and no to arrive late or leave early.
Penney explained how the pupils should use their diaries and said teachers and parents should sign them once the children's homework has been completed.
If you would like to donate more diaries to be distributed while the school year is still beginning please contact Terri-Lynn at 083 504 7940.
Awarenet is an online social network specifically designed for teachers and scholars. Schools give extra lessons for Awarenet, which is an extra mural activity.
