With the cost of a basic stationery kit often costing more than most disadvantaged families can afford, HEART NPO is rallying to ensure that 150 children have the basics they’ll need to thrive in the classroom.
Western Cape, South Africa (09 January 2026) – The bare basics. That is what HEART NPO hopes to give 150 children, whose households can hardly afford a loaf of bread and for whom purchasing school stationery is out of reach.
Starting a new school year with a crisp notebook and a reliable set of pens is more than just a matter of convenience; it is the silent foundation of a child’s confidence and classroom belonging.
However, for many families in disadvantaged communities, the “Back-to-School” season is less about excitement and more about trying to pick what they can afford from a long stationery list.
HEART NPO had a generous sponsor supply 150 of the children registered to its charity with Christmas gifts last month, with a few stationery items included to help towards the return to school.
“We asked parents and grandparents to keep those stationary Items until Schools restart. However, there are still basic stationary items short for each of these 150 children. We would love to top up with the absolute basics.”
The charity has identified reasonably priced school supplies that will ensure each child walks into their 2026 classroom with the dignity of not being “a have-not”.
“This blessing comes to R95 per child or a total of R14,250.”
After posting this need this week, one of HEART NPO’s supporters generously donated R3,000 towards the stationery drive, significantly bringing the fundraising goal to R11,250.
“If you have a child returning to school, you know what the associated costs are for school clothing, backpacks, book wrapping, lunchboxes, water bottles, Flip Files, dictionaries, hardcover books, reams of printing paper, maths sets and scientific calculators. The list goes on and on and is simply unattainable for a household struggling to survive on way less than one minimum wage.”
The charity is appealing to the public to kindly consider blessing a child (or more) for as little as R95 to equip them with the readiness to thrive.
Donations can be made on PayFast or SnapScan, or using the details below. Please make sure to use the reference “BACK TO SCHOOL” along with your name when making payment.
- HEART NPO
- First National Bank
- Cheque Account: 62745757940
- Branch Code: 250655
- Reference: BACK TO SCHOOL + Your Name
Sources: HEART NPO
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