There was a time when things were better. Your dad owned a truck and generated some income for the family through a small business. That was until mid-last year when you were in grade 11. Then he had an accident while driving his delivery truck,

“that is when everything started being very tense at home and we struggled a lot when my father was kept in hospital. There was no source of income.”

Now, 9 months later, you’re 17 years old and in your matric year. You do not live with your parents, as they live too far away from your school. Your dad is receiving a pensioner’s grant from the state, but it does not go very far to support the family. Your mom is unemployed but job-seeking; this has been the case for a long time now. In the household where you stay, it’s best not to approach the adults with your problems. They have no money. You have no money. Your older siblings are unemployed, trying to support their own children.

“I struggle to get money for toiletries and even for lunch at school.”

And yet you arrive at school each day, neatly dressed in your school uniform. Often hungry. Often in trouble, as you did not manage to do your homework.

“I cannot call home for money because I know the bills are piling up for my school fees, and my siblings’ children are schooled by my dad.”

This is Andile’s story, and it is not unique. This year, we are focussing on five matric students from John Ross College who are facing significant headwinds in trying to finish their final year. We know these children have tremendous potential, but their personal circumstances hold them back. Their parents are jobless, and they have no further support structures to leverage. Every little bit will go a long way.

The ways in which we aim to assist:

  • Reduce hunger
  • Provide essential toiletries
  • Enable a sense of “normalcy” in their matric year, by assisting with the following costs:
    – Matric photos (R90 per student)
    – Matric jacket (R550 per student)
    – Ticket to Matric Dance (R550 per student)
    – Ticket to Hamlet production (R100 per student)

 

Janienne’s proximity to these students makes supporting them logistically possible. She is also in a unique position to keep track of their progress and any additional needs that arise. We will keep you updated on their progress as the year unfolds. If you would like to help in any way, please email us on info@hma.co.za, with the subject line: Matric students. You are also welcome to call the office to ask any questions: +27 (0)35 789 8525.