Lufuno wants to help the struggling pupils of Mambedi Primary

When a young woman from Louis Trichardt was confronted with the harsh realities of poverty among school children, she decided to make a difference and bring some joy into their lives.

After visiting Mambedi Primary School in the Valdezia area, Lufuno Sadiki (25) from Louis Trichardt realised that something must be done to help the children. The school planned on organising a farewell function for the Grade 7s, but not all pupils would have been able to attend this function. According to Lufuno, the school did not receive any funding from the department to organise the event and pupils were required to each pay R50 in order for the event to occur.

Lufuno realised that it would be impossible for most of the children to collect the money and pay for the function. She believed, however, that it was important for the function to go ahead, so she started looking for ways in which she could assist.

“It was very painful to see those children in that situation,” said Ms Sadiki. She also found that most pupils could not afford proper school uniforms and were living in abject poverty. Apparently, most children's parents work on nearby farms and cannot afford to give their children the luxuries that so many others take for granted.

Lufuno realised that she needed to do whatever possible to motivate the children and she started approaching local businesses and other stakeholders. These businesses then sponsored the trophies for the best performing pupils as well as 48 pairs of shoes. They also sponsored the event and offered her soft drinks that were used on the day.

According to Lufuno, the project should not end with one function. Through her projects, she would like to help eradicate social problems in society. “Most young children end up on the streets and drop out of school because of their situations at home.” She envisages a concept similar to Sumbandila, which is an initiative of Ridgeway College in Louis Trichardt. Through such an initiative, pupils are "adopted" and motivated to do well in school. “Without a qualification, life is hard and if young people are motivated to finish their education, it helps eradicate the dire challenges of our society,” she added.

Lufuno promised that towards winter next year, she would seek various warm clothes such as school jerseys and donate them to school pupils.  

Date:05 December 2014

By: Phathutshedzo Luvhengo

Read: 4770