Natasha Miller, chairperson of Siyazana YDF, in red, addressing the children at Die Duine Primary School, in Lotus River.
Image: Picture: Supplied
Siyazana Youth Development Fund (YDF) came to the aid of Die Duine Primary School, in Lotus River, through stationery drives, providing a reading nook and other assistance.
Natasha Miller, chairperson of Siyazana YDF, said they met with the acting vice-principal of Die Duine Primary, Claudine Erasmus, to discuss the various issues pupils are facing.
Siyazana YDF handed over stationery packs to ensure pupils had the resources needed to get them off to a good start for the academic year.
Siyazana YDF is a non-profit organisation, dedicated to the empowering of children and youth. Through programmes and partnerships, Siyazana YDF, established in 2017, works to provide resources and support that address issues such as education, gender-based violence, bullying, and social justice for children in underserved communities.
“As part of their collaboration, Siyazana YDF presented Die Duine Primary School with one of their Reading Nooks kits, also known as the Library on Wheels. This kit is designed to provide children with access to books and create a space where they can engage with literature and education. Along with the Reading Nook, age-appropriate books were supplied, helping to enhance the school's literacy resources," Ms Miller said.
"We are firm in our belief that tackling the issues of GBV (Gender Based Violence) and bullying with our children must begin immediately. At Siyazana YDF, we live by the mantra 'prevention is better than cure.' It is essential that we reach our children now, guiding them toward healthier, more positive paths, and away from the harmful ones they may be facing."
At the hand-over of the Reading Nook for the Foundation Phase pupils, are acting vice-principal Claudine Erasmus and principal Kurt Walters. Sitting with the children is Natasha Miller, chairperson of Siyazana YDF.
Image: Picture: Supplied
Ms Miller said they are looking out for the children “holistically” and they do not visit a school only once. “We are helping the children 365 days a year.”
Ms Erasmus, said: “It was the third time that Siyazana came to assist our school. Siyazana not only assisted the children with stationery and books but they brought school shoes, clothes, baby cots and prams for the fire victims of Egoli. They also helped us with our marching band.”
Ms Erasmus said that they would welcome Siyazana to be a part of any school because they “put in a lot of work and their aim is for the betterment of the learner and the community."