As part of its continued commitment to youth development, NWK donated more than 550 pairs of brand-new school shoes to two primary schools in Itsoseng near Lichtenburg in North West.
The initiative forms part of NWK’s annual school shoe project and saw Naletsana and Tshepang Primary Schools receiving this year’s donation. The project, which began in 2012/2013, has now benefited more than 6 500 learners across the province, mostly from agricultural communities.
According to NWK, this year’s contribution, valued at around R243 000, included more than just footwear. Each learner also received shoe polish, brushes, beanies, socks, and string bags. Additionally, both schools were gifted sports equipment, including skipping ropes, netballs, and soccer balls, to encourage physical activity and school spirit.
A total of 291 parcels were handed out at Naletsana Primary School, with another 263 delivered to Tshepang Primary School. The schools were selected through a partnership with the North West department of education and Samuel Nkone, former area manager of Ditsobotla.
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Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, attended the handover for the last time before his retirement later this year.
Reflecting on his journey with the project, Bezuidenhout said, “It is a gift to be able to give. I am very grateful towards NWK for the opportunity it has created to make a difference. Children are the biggest gift from God, and you, as teachers and parents, have a big task to care for them.”
Making a difference in children’s lives
Benedict Modise, director of economic development at NWK, emphasised the importance of education in NWK’s broader community efforts.
“We support children at the primary and secondary school level with our school shoe project, as well as the sponsorship of laptops for top-performing matriculants of the Ditsobotla subdistrict,” Modise said.
Modise also spoke about bridging the gap between education and employment. “We have many vacancies within NWK and work closely with universities to recruit the right labour. Education is the key to everything,” he said.
Nosipho Khunyedi, principal of Tshepang Primary School, expressed heartfelt gratitude for NWK’s support.
“We are grateful that NWK remembered and considered the small community of Sheila in Itsoseng for this event. Many of the children’s parents are unemployed, and they attend school without uniforms and shoes. Here are many social ills, and NWK’s donation makes a huge difference.”
Echoing this appreciation, Itumeleng Kgabi, principal of Naletsana Primary School, said, “NWK is one of the biggest companies in the province and the school is therefore honoured to be chosen as a beneficiary of the project. We appreciate you.”
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