GEORGE NEWS - Two Grade 6 pupils of Glenwood House, Naseeha Dewan and Cia Visagie, recently warmed the hearts of the residents of Rosemoor Old Age Home when they paid them separate visits with generous donations. Naseeha, who brought them groceries, and Cia, who donated cleaning products and toiletries, also promised to return for further visits.
Their respective initiatives were part of Glenwood's Ductus Excellentiam Leadership Challenge for Grade 6 pupils, which included an expo during which all their individual projects were showcased.
Naseeha bought the groceries with money that she raised by selling more than 100 spekboom plants - that she had potted herself - to fellow pupils.
Naseeha called her project "Reduce your Carbon Footprint". With each plant, she gave away a small leaflet with a description of all the benefits of spekboom, which is an edible plant thats sap can be used to treat small cuts and wounds.
Naseeha said she is passionate about the environment. "I decided to do my part in helping the environment to overcome climate change. Spekboom needs very little care and water and it absorbs large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere."
She chose Rosemoor Old Age Home because she has learned of the challenges that older people face - she could see the difficulties her own grandparents often have to deal with.
Naseeha Dewan and Sister Charmaine Titus, manager of the Rosemoor Home, with some of the groceries Naseeha donated.
Her mom, Mumtaaz, said it was not easy to get pupils to buy plants and to increase sales, Naseeha offered three prizes in a lucky draw. Every buyer of a spekboom was automatically entered for the lucky draw. All proceeds of her sales were used to buy groceries for the Rosemoor Old Age Home.
Cia said he got his friends, church members and residents from the area where he lives to donate cleaning products. "I chose the Rosemoor Old Age Home because I am aware that they are in need. I would like to help further with continuing monthly donations."
Cia was accompanied by his parents and his grandmother, Mary-Lee Visagie, who gave an encouraging message to the seniors, assuring them that they are not forgotten.
The youngsters received a very hearty welcome from the residents and the manager, Sister Charmaine Titus, who praised them for their initiative.
"It is something above our expectations. We wish to thank them for the love that they bring us. Their concern for the elderly is an example for other young people that will hopefully make them aware of the importance of caring for the elderly in their community."
Cia Visagie, on crutches because of a rugby injury, addresses the seniors.
Sister Charmaine Titus, manager of the Rosemoor Old Age Home, receiving an arum plant from Cia Visagie who brought the seniors toiletries and cleaning products. Photos: Alida de Beer
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