- Christmas came early for a Parkwood educare and its learners on Tuesday 12 December, as “Father Christmas” arrived with gifts and a R50 000 donation to upgrade the facility.
- The surprise orchestrated by Pick n Pay asap brought laughter and tears to teachers and children at I Can Academy.
- The festive celebration was disguised as an educational delivery using the guise of educational materials, books, and stationery from the Pick n Pay School Club.
Christmas came early for a Parkwood Educare and its learners on Tuesday 12 December, as “Father Christmas” arrived with gifts and a R50 000 donation to upgrade the facility.
The surprise orchestrated by Pick n Pay asap brought laughter and tears to teachers and children at I Can Academy.
Andrew Mills, chief marketing officer at Pick n Pay, explained that it was an opportunity to recognise individuals who gave back to their community.
“Christmas time is always when families gather, and they have the opportunity to reflect on the year that was and 2023 has been a very tough year.
“It is also a time that you acknowledge those people who have given so much in their communities.”
The festive celebration was disguised as an educational delivery using the guise of educational materials, books, and stationery from the Pick n Pay School Club.
Alletta Frans, principal at the school, started teaching children in an open field before moving the school to a structure at her house.
“She asks for no money; all Alletta is asking for is an opportunity to get juice and toilet paper and on top of that she finds the means to feed these kids.
“Sometimes one or two meals a day and that is where Pick n Pay asap comes up because we’ve known about the great work she has done,” says Mills.
The I Can Academy is spearheaded by Frans and other volunteers. The facility caters to around 60 children daily.
Despite limited resources, Frans also ensures that every child receives a daily meal.
“Many of these kids don’t receive gifts for Christmas and we are also mindful of their families, so we also brought groceries that the kids can take home,” Mills added.
Frans, a former teacher at a local primary school, founded the facility in 2015 with a passion for reading and a commitment to improving her community’s future.
“We started with 12 children between the ages of four and five to give children the basics such as literacy, math and life skills.
“Many children in the community can’t read and when they are older, they drop out of school, so I just wanted to make a difference, to help them,” says Frans.
The four teachers and 10 volunteers “survive on prayers” she adds.
“Parents would ask me to help their children read as they struggled. I’ve used some of my own money towards food for the children, but sometimes people would stop their vehicles in front of the school to donate.”
The school facility includes a small library for the 60-plus learners who frequent it.
“This is not only my home, it is a school. I only have a small room with a mattress. The place is very small. We are not complaining though.
“We are grateful we can make a difference for the children and their families in our community.”
Frans says the R50 000 donation will be used for education and feeding the community.
“Thank God for this.”
