For the first time in our school history, we introduced an ‘Outreach’ program in 2024 at our school in order to allow our boys to reach out into the community and to help fill specific needs. We have, as a school, always been very community based, as our sandwich-making on Mandela Day proved. We are fortunate to have the most incredible young men who have volunteered to join our fledgling program. Primary School learners are not usually sensitive to the needs of the community around them and our learners have surprised us and made us very proud of them.
We started off the year by working with Woodrock Animal Sanctuary, and also supported Gideon’s Animal Outreach. Gideon works in the informal settlements, vaccinating, sterilizing and educating the community about its animals. We donated dog and cat food, hay for the donkeys, blankets and toys and happily landed up having some of Woodrock’s animals adopted. Even Gertrude, the donkey, found her ‘forever’ home.
We then moved on to our human babies and helped the El Shammah home in Primrose, Germiston with food and clothing for their nine abandoned babies. Fourteen boys were taken to shop, with money which had been raised at our Valentine’s Day Market. They were horrified at the cost of living and couldn’t believe their parents had been able to afford them. Some of the boys, who are remarkably tall, couldn’t believe that they were ever small enough to fit into a 0 to 3 month babygrow.
Towards the end of 2024, we hosted an event with the Foundation ‘Children of Fire’ which is based in Auckland Park, Johannesburg. The Foundation looks after the young survivors of burn injures, by fire, chemicals or hot liquids. Because South Africa has the best critical care facilities on the continent, often the Foundation is the home for children from other African countries who are flown here for reconstructive surgery and post operative care. The children, ranging from babies to young adults, often spend months in the home, with few visits from family members due to cost factors. Shack fires happen so often in our informal settlements and the injuries are terrible.
We, as a school, have been involved with the foundation for a few years, but last year the Outreach group decided to become more involved with the children. We hosted a lovely event at the end of October called ‘A Celebration of Life’ to bring some joy and sparkle into the lives of these children. We received a ‘wish list’ from the Foundation, and with the generous support of the King Edward community, we were able to purchase most of the requests, ranging from pool noodles, art equipment, and a small kitchenette, a doll’s house with furniture, a tool rack, a scooter, and the list just goes on and on.
The Grade 7 Outreach boys of 2024 were recognized in a formal school Assembly by the Mini City Council for their contribution towards the City of Johannesburg. They have moved on to High School, and can be proud of what they achieved last year for the community around them. We wish them well and urge them to continue to give back to those less fortunate than themselves.
