Benjamin Projects has kicked off its annual stationery drive to help over 50 children, from Heathfield, Capricorn, Die Gatjie, Diep River, Hillview, Retreat, Seawinds, and Steenberg, get a leg up in the 2023 school year.
The non-profit organisation teaches life skills through sports. It has been running its adopt-a-child programme since 2014. Currently 40 boys from Grade 3 to matric, who have shown an aptitude for sports and started their school career at Heathfield Primary, are being mentored through the programme.
Benjamin Projects also runs an adopt-a-school project through which it offers cricket training to boys and girls.
“We try to support the learners beyond academics and the mentorship programme in various ways whether it be food or clothing due to the prevalence of social and economic issues in their communities,” said Roger de Wet, who founded the non-profit with his wife, Lesley Ann.
The organisation was helping to provide the children with stationery because schools started on January 18 whereas most parents were paid at the end of the month and would not have prioritised the purchase of stationery, he said.
The stationery drive aimed to collect all that was needed by Thursday December 15 while preparing for any unexpected emergencies by Tuesday January 10, he said.
The organisation is asking for donations of A4 192-page hardcover notebooks, A4 288-page hardcover notebooks, exam pads, reams of paper, pens, pencils, scissors, rulers, sticks of glue and highlighters.
“Many parents plan their bonuses around the stationery. We hope to minimise that economic burden, so they can prioritise school uniforms and school shoes,” said Mr De Wet.
To help, contact Roger de Wet at roger@benjaminprojects.org.za or call 073 494 8226.
