Two Windsor High School pupils have been collecting toiletries and funds from family and friends to help orphanages in the Lansdowne and Athlone area that need assistance.
Grade 11 pupils Rania Enus, 16, a member of the Junior City Council in the City of Cape Town, along with Nashroedeen Jurius, 17, decided to pitch in and help children in orphanages.
“There are many children who stay in orphanages and don’t even have the most basic essentials like toiletries. So we decided to pitch in and help those who can’t help themselves,” Rania said.
“These children should not be suffering because they don’t have parents; they should never be forgotten,” she said.
According to the pair, whether the need for support is clothing, toiletries, or books for school, they will continuously try and gather items to give back to those who do not have the support of their families.
Since the start of the school year, Rania and Nashroedeen have been organising toiletry packs for two orphanages, Margaret’s House in Rouxton Road, Lansdowne and Habibia Children’s Home in Rylands.
“We wanted to play a vital role in helping other children. I have been taught the importance of family and caring for those not as fortunate or blessed as we are,” Rania said.
“There’s more of a need than we ever thought. We are starting small, targeting homes in our area but we hope we can expand this as more pupils get involved,” said Rania.
Nashroedien said Rania was the driving force behind the initiative, but he is grateful to be part of assisting those less fortunate.
“I’ve always been interested in lending a helping hand to people in our community, so when Rania came up with the idea to help orphaned children, I was more than willing to accept her offer to help and tag along to visit the children’s home,” he said.
“The experience was life-changing, and it has impacted the way I view the world. Seeing the faces of those kids and learning about the struggles that most of them have encountered changed how I view the world,” he added.
“I have so much respect for the people who help these children and ensure that they have a safe and loving environment to go home to.”
Rania said the initiative is part of her responsibilities as a member of the Junior City Council.
“I have always wanted to help other children, and this project paved the way for me to help others. I’ve realised how blessed we are to have parents who can take care of and provide for us. Many children out there do not have a support base. Getting something as simple as toiletries brought joy to these children, who are thankful for whatever comes their way.
“We started with a fund-raising event among our family and friends and managed to raise enough money to provide each child with a toiletry pack consisting of a facecloth, toothpaste and soap.
“I like the fact that I can give back to my community. I hope we will soon get more students to help, and who knows, maybe we can include old-age homes in our campaign. Giving back to the elderly who sacrificed so much for us would be an honour,” she added.