A young family who felt that the blessings raining on them were not just for them to enjoy but for the whole community to benefit, opened their hearts to 19 disadvantaged learners.

They donated full uniforms to the learners during a function held at the Raluswielo Secondary School this week. This was through the John Mudau Family Foundation which will help learners until they pass their Grade 12.

John Mudau of the John Mudau Family Foundation said the foundation was started this year with the sole aim of helping disadvantaged learners whose parents cannot provide uniforms and school fees for them. Mudau, a former student at the school, said he knew the hardships faced by many parents in the area. "Our area is one of the poorest areas in the province, and if we do not do something for our learners, some can end up dropping out of school because of uniforms and school fees," he said.

He said the foundation was living to its objectives of seeing to it that no learners did not go to school because of uniforms and school funds.

Mudau said paying school fees and uniforms for learners does not mean that they were stripping parents of their responsibility of looking after the children. "As parents, you still have the responsibility of bringing up the children and we urge you also to look after our young children. They are also your children; show them the right way," he said.

Mudau said this was not a matter of having so much, but they felt indebted to the community that guided them. Mudau said the foundation will be very happy if the beneficiaries follow all the rules of the foundation and those of the school. He also urged all learners to study hard and be responsible members of the community who will in turn help other disadvantaged children. "We would like to see these children somewhere in the not distant future. With all the motivation we are giving them, nothing is impossible," he said.

The foundation will also network the students with successful people as a way of motivating them and exposing them to the world that lies ahead of them. Experts in different fields will visit the school during the June holidays and help them in whatever way the foundation deems fit. He promised to increase the number of beneficiaries on a yearly basis, depending on the need as identified by the school.

Thavhadziawa Ramutumbu, the principal of the school, could not hide his happiness. He said it was good to be receiving help from one of their former students. He said when some former students pledged to help the school in December last year, he thought it was just a way of making a statement.

"Now we can see the fruits and we are very grateful to what the Mudau family has done today," he said. He told the learners to count themselves lucky to be receiving the uniforms as learners at other schools were attending school in torn uniforms. "In horse racing, people put a bet only for the winning horse. We expect you to be winners in order to attract more sponsorships for yourself," he said.

He urged other former students and businesspeople from the area to follow in Mudau´s footsteps. He concluded by encouraging the learners to look after their uniforms and also to study harder. Mr Tshinyadzo Netshitongwe, one of the parents, said as parents they were faced with a headache whenever schools reopen. "We sometimes wish that they never reopen as we do not have money to help our children," he said.

He added that they always pray for miracles to happen." What you have done for our children is a big relief to us and our children. You eased a big burden for us and may God richly bless you so that you continue helping us and our children," he said. Thonifho Muthelo, who also received a full uniform, said it would help to motivate them in their studies. "It is hard to concentrate in class without the basic needs. What Mr Mudau and his family did for us have helped restore our dignity and we will not disappoint him, our parents and educators," he said.