Young philantrophist donates books to Gabane primary school
One of Mark Twain’s most famous quotes reads, “Kindness is the language that the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
Kindness is a universal expression of love and it is important to instill it in young children by encouraging them to perform little acts of kindness for others on a regular basis.
Last week, Thornhill Primary School celebrated kindness week, in an effort to encourage students to become a positive influence in each other’s lives.
Standard five pupil Ivanka Puvimanasinghe took this as an opportunity to kickstart a project idea she had been dreaming about for years.
On Thursday, she donated 5 000 exercise books, school uniforms and shoes to Gabane Primary School as she launched her project dubbed “Ivanka’s Heart to Heart Project”.
“In celebration of kindness week, our Principal Mr Greaves has encouraged us to perform acts of kindness at home and in the community. Kindness is one of the core values at our school, and this gave me the idea to start my project,” said Ivanka when addressing the beneficiaries.
“Kindness can make the world a happier place for everyone! It also encourages others to repeat the good deeds they experienced themselves by contributing positively to their community,” observed the little girl.
She concluded by appreciating her parents for donating the uniforms and shoes, her Godmother Lydia Selao from Paper 4 Africa for donating the exercise books and Thornhill Primary School’s Mrs. Denton and Miss Willie for their unwavering support.
Gabane Primary School Head Barbara Koka expressed her utmost gratitude and appreciation for such a kind gesture which according to her is an answered prayer for the lack of resources in the school.
“Some of our students come from disadvantaged families and they can barely afford a decent school uniform. We are also in short supply of books as we are entirely reliant on government procurement,” said the school head, further explaining that their needs have been met, thanks to Ivanka’s kind gesture.
On behalf of her peers, standard 5 learner Boitumelo Phegonynane also thanked Ivanka for spreading love, kindness and most importantly responding to their needs, especially since their school is out of town.
Ivanka’s parents wore smiles of pride, fulfilled by their daughter’s commitment to making the world a better place.
Her mother revealed that they were thrilled when Ivanka approached them asking for support for her project.
“It’s important that we teach them while they are young, that is why we didn’t hesitate when she approached us.”
Ivanka hopes to continue her project by working with other schools in her quest to perform good deeds and promote kindness wherever she goes.