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Refurbished corporate computers and a “humongous” truckload of shiny new school shoes are bringing some of the essentials for school attendance and nurturing scientific young minds to schools in Limpopo.

“It’s emotional to see the learners’ reactions when they receive their school shoes. To them, it’s everything,” says Doc Sethole, director of One on One Community Based Programmes, after the Netcare Foundation recently donated 2000 pairs of My Walk Made with Soul shoes to the non-profit company (NPC), benefitting children from six schools under a partnership with the Mankweng High Tech Circuit and the University of Limpopo.

One on One Community Based Programmes aims to empower the next generation through education and health at an instructional or educational level with holistic interventions, including building schools’ capacity in the gateway subjects of maths and science.

“Our support from the Netcare Foundation over the years demonstrates commitment as an implementation partner from a holistic perspective, which has also included the donation of good-as-new refurbished computers for schools. This included 40 computers for two schools in Limpopo, as well as laptops for management,” Sethole says.

The Netcare Foundation recently donated 2000 pairs of My Walk Made with Soul school shoes to One on One Community Based Programmes, benefitting children from six schools under a partnership with the Mankweng High Tech Circuit and the University of Limpopo. Photo credit: Frans Nkhapele

 

The shoes were sorted according to the sizes required for each school before the official handover at Hwiti Secondary School. Photo credit: Frans Nkhapele

 

My Walk Made with Soul school shoes are made from high quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC) reclaimed from uncontaminated drip bags and tubing collected from participating Netcare hospitals in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Photo credit: Frans Nkhapele

 

“Most recently, a humongous truckload of 2000 pairs of school shoes was matched with their proud new owners from Hwiti Secondary School, MP Mamabolo Secondary School, Makgale Phasha Secondary School, Makgwadiba Primary School, Maribe Primary School, and Mmaphotle Primary School. Some of the beneficiaries were previously walking to school with no shoes at all, which led to their inclusion on the beneficiary list as they were from the most impoverished areas in the circuit – and I am assured of the quality of the shoes, as I went to see how they are made for myself,” says Sethole.

My Walk Made with Soul is an innovative upcycling programme between Netcare and Adcock Ingram Critical Care that reclaims polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from uncontaminated healthcare waste, such as drip bags and tubing, collected from participating Netcare hospitals in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. This high quality PVC is then converted into brand-new, fully recyclable school shoes that are highly durable.

Mande Toubkin, general manager: emergency, trauma, transplant and corporate social investment at Netcare, adds: “Our country’s schools are bursting with potential, and attendance is key to unlocking more possibilities for the learners’ futures”.

“Good shoes and computers are just two of the many factors needed to support a young person’s educational journey, and with partnerships between academia, corporate social investment and community-based programmes, we can do more for South Africa’s next generation.”

Evah Takalo of the University of Limpopo’s (UL) Stakeholder Relations says the university is committed to being a responsive institution that not only partners with stakeholders but also actively addresses the needs of societies and communities. “This effort reflects UL’s broader vision of finding sustainable solutions for Africa, ensuring that its work resonates with the lived realities of people while building a reputation as a university that cares and acts with purpose.”

“We are trying our best to encourage school learners, and it is through donations like these that children are supported in their education. There is only so much we can do, and the need is great with 34 schools in this circuit alone. What keeps us motivated is that each intervention can leave a mark on people’s minds and on the future for the children and their communities,” Sethole concludes.

To learn more or make a donation to support other community-based initiatives, please visit www.oneononecom.co.za.

Ends.

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