Community Unites for Mandela Day Making Essential School Supplies for Children

Photo Credit: Supplied

Mandela Day is a celebration of our collective power to make a positive impact on the world.

Masiphumelele, South Africa (07 July 2023) – This year on 18 July 2023, the spirit of compassion and unity will come alive as individuals in Cape Town join forces to bring smiles to the faces of young children from Masiphumelele.

This vibrant community, faces numerous challenges, including limited access to quality education, formal housing, and high levels of unemployment. However, on this special day, Masicorp is inviting volunteers to be Mandela Day heroes by helping to provide fully stocked pencil cases for children going to Grade 1 next year.

The Power of a Pencil Case:

To many, a pencil case may seem like a trivial item, but for children in less fortunate communities like Masiphumelele, it represents hope, opportunity, and a step towards a brighter future. These young learners often lack access to even the most basic school supplies and consequently, they start their educational journeys at a disadvantage. Masicorp believes that every child should have the opportunity to learn – and is on a mission to remove barriers to learning,

Masicorp’s Call to Action:

Sign up to spend your 67 minutes on Mandela Day sewing a pencil case for a child. All materials and instructions will be provided. Simply bring yourself, and some pencil case contents to the sew-a-thon on Tuesday 18 July between noon and 4 pm.

Collect a packet from Masicorp (Cape Town only) containing pre-cut fabric and zip and sew the pencil case at home in your own time. Fill it with stationery contents and return it to us. Collect as many packets as you want.

For those unable to sew, or are not based in Cape Town, Masicorp provides the opportunity to contribute through donations. The funds raised will be used to purchase supplies and complete the pencil cases, ensuring that every child in need received a fully stocked kit. Sponsor a ready-made pencil case with contents for R200 for a child going to Grade 1.

All sponsors and volunteers will be invited to the end-of-year pre-school graduation where these pencil cases will be handed over to the children.