Cosmo City learners to keep warm this winter

Image credit: Alimdaad.com

Social Development Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu made the announcement during the launch of Al-Imdaad Foundation's Operation Winter Warmth on Tuesday at Cosmo City Junior Primary School in Johannesburg.

Operation Winter Warmth is an annual project of the Al-Imdaad Foundation, which aims to assist underprivileged communities by providing blankets, gloves and hats across the country to keep citizens warm in winter.

During the launch, Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu handed over 1,200 hats and gloves to learners.

She said the department will also work with the school to identify children that do not have school uniform.

"We are going to make sure that you have jerseys and winter school uniform and when its summer, you will all have the same uniform," the deputy minister told the learners.

She said Operation Winter Warmth will be launched in all nine provinces, and through assistance from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), 20,000 learners will receive hats and gloves.

She said the support and partnership between government and NGOs like Al-Imdaad Foundation, has enabled the department to cover all the ground and ensure that underprivileged learners receive essential services.

School Principal Thea Abrams said 98% of learners in the school come from extreme poor homes and the gift was very welcomed.

She said in winter, the school allows learners to come to school with different jersey colours because teachers understand that parents can't afford uniforms.

"We are very grateful for the amazing partnerships that are being formed by the department and the community. The announcement for the donation of jerseys will make a huge difference," said Abrams.

Moulana Burhaan Mia from Al-Imdaad Foundation said the Muslim community has an old relationship with the local community and they try to assist where they can, through partnerships with government.

"We extend a helping hand. The best of human beings are those who benefit humanity the most," said Mia.

After leaving the school, the deputy minister moved to Cosmo City Multipurpose Complex, where she handed over more than 1,000 blankets and bags to senior citizens.

Some of the senior citizens received walking aids, including crutches to help them walk freely.

About 45,000 blankets will be distributed to older persons across the country.