Community project encourages confidence in school children  

Duduza – John Dube residents have united to fight against poverty and inequality among their children by forming an initiative called John Dube Community.

The initiative started in early January and helps polish over a hundred school shoes daily.

“Many people, parents to be specific are unemployed within our area. Children go to school with torn shoes and many do not even polish those shoes.

“We decided to partner as a community and approach ten tuck shop owners within our township to assist us with a tin or two of shoe polish monthly.

“They agreed and have been assisting us since the beginning of the year. In our little corner, we sew torn school shoes, we polish the children’s shoes every after school,” said one of the residents and initiative member Bongani Mthimkhulu.

He mentioned that their initiative has encouraged unity and teamwork in their area of residence.

Mthimkhulu added that they have also managed to motivate the children to go to school with confidence, saying they look like any other child at school.

“The number of torn shoes has decreased and has helped many children enjoy going to school again,” he added.

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Another member and resident, Simphiwe Tatoba said they are also looking for sponsorship in any way, be it through a donation of shoe polish, new school shoes, food and other helpful things.

“We do not want monetary donations, but we would appreciate pre-owned clothes, school bags, stationary, among others,” added Tatoba.

Fezile Dlalisa, a resident and parent in the area, expressed gratitude towards the initiative citing that it has brought joy to her child who is in primary school.

“This initiative pleases everyone in our place of residence. The important part is that our children have gained encouragement from this project,” she said.