Teamwork to keep underprivileged children warm in winter

As the icy Free State winter continues to make its presence felt, the children of William Strip Primary Farm School in Bloemfontein will be kept snug and warm thanks to teamwork between Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) and the provincial Department of Education.

"It was our privilege to sponsor thick winter blankets and give of our time for the benefit of the school pupils. These children represent the future and as GEMS we wanted to make some contribution that would make a practical difference," says GEMS Executive Communications and Member Affairs, Liziwe Nkonyana.

This was GEMS's contribution towards a Free State Department of Education initiative for Mandela Day. The official handover event took place at the school on 26 July, bringing smiles to the little ones' faces. GEMS made the event possible through sponsoring the necessary equipment.

The MEC for Education in the Free State, Honourable Tate Makgoe, said: "The GEMS donation and sponsorship of this occasion will not only boost the morale of the needy learners but will also leave a lasting and indelible positive legacy at this historically disadvantaged school. The support is not something we take lightly and is very much appreciated by everyone connected with the Department."

The GEMS team spent time helping the children with reading exercises, and also rolled up their sleeves to help the school's gardening project by planting seeds.

"Interventions that begin on a small scale, such as helping underprivileged children at a particular school, can lay the foundations of strong and healthy communities," Nkonyana notes.

"The interrelatedness of education and future prospects are well established, and these go hand-in-hand with wellness and the prosperity of the nation, overall," she concluded.

> View photos of the GEMS Team rolling up their sleeves at William Strip Primary Farm School in Bloemfontein to support the Free State Department of Education initiative for Mandela Day <