Trinityhouse Little Falls Preparatory School learners spent more than the required 67 minutes during Mandela Day, 18 July, putting together sleeping bags for the underprivileged.
The school hall and various class rooms saw learners hands on as prides (learners varying in different grades) preparing these sleeping bags made from recyclable materials.
According to the organiser, teacher Lara Gudmanz, the school aimed at making about 120 bags, which would be donated to two shelters (The House Group and Frida Hartley Shelter) in Hillbrow.
“The purpose of the initiative is to provide sleeping bags to those who are less fortunate. The objective is to provide warmth. We have looked at donating to homeless shelters and also to those on the side of the roads, who don’t go to the homeless shelters,” said Lara.
Head girl, Jessica Baker and deputy head boy, Joel Joseph, spoke about the challenges they faced while putting together the sleeping bags. “The biggest challenge was getting everyone to work together, especially the Grade 1s who would start playing with the tape. Another challenge was sticking the tape onto the paper as we struggled with measurements,” Jessica said.
However, teachers were present to provide assistance, including sticking the prayers and Bible verses the learners had written onto the sleeping bags.
“I am so happy that we are able to make this sleeping bag to keep someone warm on a cold night,” said Joseph.
Karen Cammell, the principal of the Preparatory Department weighed in. “Every learner in the school was involved in ‘giving back’ 67 minutes for Mandela Day. They worked in their prides, consisting of learners from Grades 1 to 7. They enjoyed doing it and a lot of productive conversation happened during this time. I feel that this is testimony to the care and love shown by our learners to help those less fortunate than themselves,” she concluded.
