GEORGE NEWS - What began as a small personal mission to clothe a few children in need has grown into a ripple of kindness, thanks to a woman from Lawaaikamp.
Samkela Gala (33), a working woman in retail, has been quietly making a big difference in the lives of local schoolchildren, many of whom come from extremely difficult circumstances.
Driven by her passion for education and community upliftment, Gala has taken it upon herself to provide full school uniforms for 15 children between the ages of seven and 12 of Mzoxolo Primary School in Lawaaikamp.
Her self-funded initiative, which has yet to be formally named, aims to restore dignity and confidence to those children who often arrive at school without many necessities.
"It's heartbreaking to see a child start their day already at a disadvantage," said Gala. "No child should feel unseen or unworthy simply because they can't afford a uniform."
Mandela Day with meaning
This year, for her 67 minutes on Mandela Day, Gala turned her attention to a seven-year-old boy from her neighbourhood who recently suffered an unimaginable loss. Just two weeks ago, the child's home burnt to the ground. His mother, already gravely ill in hospital at the time of the fire, tragically passed away shortly afterwards.
The young boy and his older brother, a Grade 12 learner of Thembalethu High, are now being cared for by their uncle, but they've lost everything.
Without thinking twice, Gala reached into her pocket to help buy the younger brother a complete school uniform. Eden FM generously stepped in to sponsor a new pair of school shoes, and Gala covered the rest: a jersey, three shirts, some trousers, socks and a tie. But she didn't stop there.
Samkela Gala came to visit the George Herald offices to share her story in the hope that others would help her help the children. Photo: Kristy Kolberg
A brother's chance at dignity
Determined to help the older brother as well, who is preparing for his matric farewell this Friday, Gala began raising money through friends and social media. So far, they've managed to get him some school shoes (also donated by Eden FM) and a pair of trousers, socks and two shirts donated by a friend of Gala's.
"He's trying so hard to finish his matric year, but he has nothing," Gala says. "Not even clothes for his farewell. I want him to know he's seen, he's worthy, and he matters."
Donations from abroad
Another friend, Solomzi Daantjie, shared Gala's post, and a friend of his in the UK saw it and sponsored 12 pairs of school shoes for her 15-child initiative.
However, the children are still in need of essential uniform items such as shirts, jerseys, schoolbags and socks.
How you can help
If you would like to contribute or donate pieces of school uniforms, contact Gala directly on 064 074 8343.
Items needed include:
Shirts (all sizes for children aged 7-12), grey school trousers, jerseys and ties, school shoes and socks, and schoolbags.
The little boy's school uniform that Samkela Gala bought him.‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
