There were smiles all round at Hyacinth Primary School in Lentegeur when they received a donation of 100 pairs of school shoes for pupils in need.
The shoes were a gift from Shekinah Full Gospel Church in Beacon Valley who also donated 100 pairs of school shoes to the children in their church.
Bishop of the church, Dean Carelse said pupils needed the proper resources so they could excel at school.
“A child should not go to school without proper shoes. If you can’t help everybody, you can help somebody. We are here to show love,” he said.
Allizwa Mgciza, 9, a pupil from Lentegeur, said she was very happy about her new shoes.
“I always wanted new shoes. I am so thankful for it.”
Lucinda Kannemeyer, 12, from Lentegeur, said: “I am glad because of my new shoes. I was looking forward to this day, it’s a blessing.”
Yive Mjali, 10, from Crossroads in Philippi, said he was happy about his new shoes and had
not known he would be receiving them.
Keith Scheepers, deputy principal at Hyacinth Primary, said he had been eagerly awaiting the handover for over 12 months.
“I was very excited to partner with the church. The school is so grateful for this. It is difficult to express how we feel.”
Merle Meye, a Grade 4 teacher, said most of their pupils lived in dire circumstances at home. “We’re grateful that the school can give back to their community. There are people who care.”
Mr Carelse said: “Shoes are important. We need to equip our children at the very foundation by giving them shoes. This also gives them a sense of pride.”