Uplifting Chatsworth: how the Sharing Joy Foundation is making a difference
One meal and a time...
Pupils holding up the socks they received in their goody bags
Image: Supplied
ARTHI Govender transformed a childhood observation into a mission to uplift schools and feed hungry children.
The CEO of the Sharing Joy Foundation said she was just 11-years-old and in Grade 6 when she noticed that some of her friends and other pupils at school did not eat during the lunch breaks.
“When I asked my teachers why this was so, they explained that there were some children that could not afford to eat more than one meal a day. This meant they could not afford to bring lunch to school,” said Govender, 53, formerly from Arena Park in Chatsworth.
She now lives in Edenvale, Johannesburg.
She said as the days progressed and she noticed the plight of more children, she began to feel sad and helpless.
Arthi Govender
Image: Supplied
“As an 11-year-old I thought what could I possibly do to make a difference to help improve the lives of these hungry children?” asked Govender.
“I decided to start a sandwich club. I received permission from the principal to canvas all the pupils that had brought sandwiches to school, to share just one slice with somebody who did not have lunch.
“I collected the sandwiches before the break. Any child who wanted a sandwich was welcome to collect it from our teachers staff room during lunch. This project grew as the months went by. By the end of the year, we had collected and handed out more than 300 sandwiches. Now, as an adult I am determined to help as many children as I can through the Sharing Joy Foundation.
Recently, pupils at Glenheights Primary School in Silverglen benefited from Govender’s foundation when they were treated to a meal and a winter care pack, which consisted of a pair of socks, a beanie and a water bottle.
Govender said the lunch pack, which included breyani, juice and chocolate, were met with squeals of delight. After lunch, The Sharing Joy Foundation members and other guests were treated to entertainment by the pupils.
The principal, Mrs GN Nyawo, said her school catered for pupils from diverse backgrounds.
“We are a needy school, but with the support of our community, we thrive. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to The Sharing Joy Foundation, which always gives amazing support to our school. We really appreciate them,” said Nyawo.
As part of its Winter Warmth Spreading Joy campaign, the foundation also donated warm jackets to the elderly women at the ABH Homes in Chatsworth.