A Pretoria non-profit organisation (NPO) that embarks on a massive book-covering mission in disadvantaged communities every year, has now painted two public schools in Soshanguve, north of the capital.
Thusangwanageno has helped ease the burden on parents by covering books around Soshanguve but has now spread its initiative to other provinces as well.
The organisation has now reached more than 300 schools nationwide since it was formed in 2015. They also assist struggling students with registration and tuition fees.
This year, the organisation has already painted Mmabana Primary School and DC Marhivhati Senior Secondary school.
When Sowetan visited the schools yesterday, both of them stood out, thanks to the new paint work by Thusangwageno.
“We are really excited that we ensure that schools are conducive for learning and that we also assisted learners at Maabane and DC Marhivhati in Soshanguve,” Thusangwanageno's John Molepo said.
Molepo said for them to fully achieve their goal they need communities to participate more in the development and ensuring cleanliness of the schools.
“Parents who are unemployed must once in a while participate in their children’s education by volunteering their time to keep schools clean,” said Molepo.
Mmapule Ramotlala, 45, a Soshanguve resident, said she was pleased with the organisation’s great initiatives. “It is indeed a great gesture, we are really grateful to Thusangwanageno,” said Ramotlala.
“Most mothers are employed and are raising kids themselves like me, and we really need a break,” she said.
She said her children were very excited to be going to a new grade with covered books and new painted classrooms.
“I hope that this will contribute to my daughter’s performance in school and help them pass and proceed to the next level,” said Ramolapo.
Nompumelelo Nkabinde, 16, said she plans to join the organisation and play a role in helping other disadvantaged children in her community.
Nompumelelo, who is waiting for her matric results, hopes the organisation will also help her as she plans to go to university.
“This organisation is key to township learners in terms of overcoming poverty,” she said, adding that she wants to study law at the University of Pretoria.
“There was a point where I was stressed about how will I pay for my studies. Thanks to Thusangwanageno, I have a chance to make my dreams come true,” said Nkabinde.
Her mother Nomvula Nkabinde, 48, said she was hopeful that her daughter will pass with good marks and get admitted at a tertiary institution.
“I am glad that the organisation does not only focus on school pupils, but also disadvantaged students in varsities who are willing to further their studies,” said Nkabinde.
Nkabinde said that government should be more involved in initiatives of Thusangwanageno as a partner, as the organisation plays a role in helping to create a better SA.
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