One of our international donors, Ingrid Norman, coined the phrase "everyone deserves to stand tall in a new pair of school shoes" and it has become a catch phrase for our iziCathulo Project.
Freedom Day weekend seemed an appropriate time to visit the Rhodes Public School for what we hope will be Part I of our 2018 project.
It was a privilege to be the face of the iziCathulo Project. It will be well-nigh impossible to convey the emotion when we arrived at the school with a full trailer. We were met by traditional dancing, praise singing and energetic and very moving dancing by the mothers as expressions of gratitude.
Each pupil was gifted a new pair of school shoes, a pair of mohair socks, a packet of biscuits, a fruit juice and items of tinned food.
Appreciation to all those who sponsored school shoes and socks, to Eastern Cape Motors & Ford Southern Africa for the use of the Ford Ranger 4x4, to Rhodes Food Group for the tinned food and the Rhodes fruit juice, to Aramex who ensured that the mohair socks reached us in time, to St Dominic's Priory School, Port Elizabeth for the significant amount of school uniforms & sports kit and to RV Footwear who made the shoes.
Speeches in appreciation were made by Ms Tomokazi Ndzakana (School Principal), Ms Zakhe Ndzakana (the Principal's sister), Ms Elia Nthabeleng (on behalf of the School Governing Body), Mrs Thembisa Fitshane (on behalf of the parents) and Ms Inga Fitshane (on behalf of the pupils).
Speech by Ms Zakhe Ndzakana on behalf of the Principal:
"To Evie & Darrell, educators, SGB representatives and the Rhodes community at large.
I am standing here on behalf of my sister who is the School Principal. I am grateful to be given this opportunity to attend this important occasion.
A message of gratitude to Darrell & Evie who have once again come to school to contribute to the learners, to extend their hand to the needy. Once again you set the tone for the year by helping our children, parents & educators, to make a difference, against the cold winters of this place with shoes, uniforms and all the stuff you provide to us.
We appreciate your unfailing love and dedication.
We are fortunate to have you donate all that you have to a school such as ours.
On behalf of the Rhodes Pubic School we express our gratitude. Thanks for all you have done. We all love you from the bottom of our hearts.
May the Almighty bless you continually.
Thank you."
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