As part of Walter Sisulu University’s strategic plan implemented in 2021, which sets to respond to societal needs through its core business, Lucky Ndzoyiya and Victor Mitiki, set out to lend a helping hand to Mxhume Senior Secondary School in the deep rural area of Lusikisiki recently.
The two Department of Administration and Hospitality Management lecturers based at the Mthatha Campus mobilised dozens of donations that included IsiXhosa and English library books, computers, a netball kit, and school uniforms and toiletries for two underprivileged learners with the intention of creating a more formidable learning environment for these learners., the duo
“Mxhume with very limited resources and some of the learners walk several kilometers from disadvantaged homes, some from child-headed homes to attend here. Ours was to at least keep these learners motivated to go to school so that they have a chance of changing their situations,” said Ndzoyiya.
The donors include Member of Parliament, Zinzi Rhabe; former MEC in the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Fezeka Nkomonye; EC Parliamentary Deputy Chief Whip, Mbongeni Nkungu; Department of Agriculture’s Pearl Guzana; Victoria Girls Highs School teacher, Busisiwe Mdlankomo-Mqamelo and Acting Head of Arts and Culture Department in the Mthatha Campus, Dr Yolisa Madolo, amongst others.
“As academics, it is important that we plough back into our communities when we can. We cannot run away from the fact that most of these learners that we receive in the university are from these disadvantaged schools, therefore, it’s important that when we can, we help them from an early stage,” said Mtiki.
Mxhume SSS Khanyiso Mkwedinana “We are extremely grateful for what we have received today because this school needs these kind of donations as we are operating with limited resources. It breaks my heart to see so many students walk long distances to get an education and not get the quality education they deserve.”
He added, “These are very dedicated learners who push through every obstacle to get an education, most of them have been enrolled at WSU. What this university is doing for disadvantaged schools in EC is very commendable.”
The principal added that they would appreciate every little donation anyone would offer to the school, from classroom supplies to school supplies for disadvantaged students.
By Ongezwa Sigodi