Fun in the sun

Smiles all round at the cheque handover: Bernie Mc Dowall (Merck MPM Director), Mathew Maseko (Ekukhanyeni Primary School Principal), David Phora (Ekukhanyeni Primary School Board Treasurer), Cathy Vos (Sanca Horizon), Maria Gumede (Sanca Horizon), Godwin Jacob (Merck Director) and Winnie Dlamini (Merck Corporate Affairs Officer).

Located in Wattville, one of the oldest townships in Benoni, Sanca Horizon came into contact with the school through their upliftment programme and has now incorporated the school into their community outreach project.

Maria Gumede of Sanca Horizon explains when they saw learners arriving at school with no uniform or shoes, often on an empty stomach, they realised the dire need for assistance.

“Many of these children are from child headed homes with older siblings unable to care for their physical or financial needs and no adult relatives to turn to. Wattville is being overwhelmed by rapidly growing squatter camps and characterised by poverty, crime, substance abuse and other related social problems,” says Maria.

On the day of the donation, learners were entertained and treated by Clover Danone who sponsored Danimal juice and yoghurt, while Pitseng Site Services provided sandwiches.

To co-incide with Drug Awareness Week (24 - 30 June), Maria very shortly warned the pupils of the dangers of drugs. In these very poor communities, Sanca Horizon find children often turn to drugs to alleviate the stress eminatining from the impoverished lives they lead.

Should you wish to assist the school, the school's immediate needs include:

· School uniforms and shoes

· Clothing

· Blankets

· Food

Enquiries can be directed to Sanca Horizon's Maria Gumede on 011 424 7468 or Cathy Vos on 011 917 5015.