Riverside View — More than 100 learners benefited from the 1st Annual Riverside View Back to School Drive, a community-led initiative aimed at supporting underprivileged children as they prepared for the new school year.
The event was co-organised by Itumeleng Mokone from Dakalo ya Pfunzo Foundation, a preschool based in Riverside View. Mokone said the initiative was born out of a growing need within the community, where many parents struggle to afford basic school necessities such as uniforms, stationery, grooming, and sanitary products.
“We noticed that children were starting school feeling different from one another because of a lack of resources,” Mokone explained. “We wanted to create an opportunity where every child could feel equal, confident, and prepared for the school year.”
The drive addressed several key challenges affecting learners, including lack of grooming before school reopening, shortages of school uniforms and shoes, insufficient stationery, and limited access to sanitary towels for teenage girls — all factors that impact confidence and school readiness.
On the day of the event, learners received a wide range of support, including haircuts for boys, hair washing and braiding for girls, stationery distribution, assistance with school uniforms and shoes, sanitary towels, and health advice for parents on immunisation for children aged six to twelve.
The success of the initiative was made possible through the support of local businesses, volunteers, and organisations. Contributions included stationery donations from Hlophe, Lifestyle, and Nokuphila from Riverside Square Academy. Grooming services were provided by Prince Bopape, a barber who brought his own equipment to offer haircuts, as well as hair braiding and washing by Momo’s Hair Salon, Nobantu Khumalo, Sabata Modise, Linet Lubisi, Shelter Ndlovu, and Sabata, a 15-year-old volunteer who assisted with plaiting.
Additional support came from Salon and Thabiso from Dakalo ya Pfunzo, who also assisted with haircuts, and Sister B, who sponsored sanitary towels and provided health and immunisation guidance to parents. Rose Sithole Foundation further contributed by donating rice, vegetables, school uniforms, and braiding services.
Community members expressed deep appreciation for the initiative. Magrate Chauke, a grandmother caring for two grandchildren, said the drive came at a critical time. “With the high rate of unemployment, it is not easy,” she said. “Having this kind of help come directly to our doorstep helps us save and gives us hope.”
Another parent, Winny Semosa, echoed similar sentiments, saying she was grateful for the support. “This initiative will really help us as parents to save money while making sure our children start school properly,” she said.
Mokone described the community response as overwhelming, noting that parents arrived early, some accompanied by grandparents, and many willingly prepared their children on site to access grooming services. “The turnout showed us just how needed this initiative was,” she said.
Reflecting on lessons learned, the organisers acknowledged the importance of early planning and better identification of families in need. Going forward, they plan to work closely with block leaders to improve coordination and expand the programme’s reach.
Due to the strong support and positive impact, organisers have confirmed that the Riverside View Back to School Drive will continue as an annual programme, with growing interest already shown by businesses and volunteers eager to participate in future editions