Pupils, from Darul Arqam Islamic High School, in Eastridge, will be distributing 500 blankets to residents of informal settlements in Strandfontein and Mitchell’s Plain during Ramadaan, the month of fasting for Muslims.
They started with their blanket drive on Thursday May 24 after a company donated some blankets.
The school’s eco club, which was started four years ago, has evolved from an environmental advocacy group to a social responsibility club.
Member Aadam Cader, in Grade 10, said they do community work, including helping out at a monthly breakfast and lunch for the elderly of Masjidur Rawbie’s Old Age unit; they have a weekly sandwich drive, through which the club collects sandwiches from pupils to be delivered to their neighbouring primary school Eastville; and beach clean-ups. Construction of the school hall has, however, interrupted their garden and recycling projects.
“We help everyone. We see what is happening in our community and do we what we can to uplift the community,” he said.
Fatimah Shaik, 14, in Grade 9, said: “We see how people struggle – people who do not have houses and food. It makes us appreciate what we have,” she said.
Saeed Hartley, 17, in Grade 10, said it has inspired him to work harder because people appreciate the small things the club does for them.
Recently they delivered blankets to Sewende Laan informal settlement, in Strandfontein.
They invite the community to join them and to bring non-perishable food items and toiletries after taraweeh, night prayers.
For more information about the next delivery call Mogamad Cader on 076 403 2812 or the school on 021 391 5730.