- The Record Archives
- Volume CXVIII, No. XXI - November 17, 2005 - opinion
Donate money to a noble cause
Guest columnist
In many ways, Pendla Primary school is like any other grade school in the townships of South Africa.
Hundreds of uniformed, black African students listen obediently as their teachers teach algebra and money management skills to the older students and reading and writing to the younger students.
At recess, boys play soccer while girls sing songs and jump rope.
At 2:30 p.m., the day at Pendla is over and the students walk back to their homes in the townships; that is, if they have a home and not a corrugated tin shack.
Many of their parents, sisters, brothers and relatives have contracted HIV/AIDS — one would be hard-pressed to find a student who didn't know someone with the virus.
The $8 (U.S.) a year it costs to attend Pendla keeps many of their friends from attending the school.
But Pendla Primary school is not like the typical South African township grade school.
For four months out of the year, Pendla Primary school in New Brighton is invaded by South African study abroad students from CSB/SJU.
The project began when Dr. Deanna Lamb, a faculty member at CSB/SJU, visited the school and saw the difficult conditions under which the staff and students teach and learn.
The school is blessed with dedicated faculty and eager students.
Despite this, it lacks even the most basic materials and supplies, including paper and pencils.
That initial visit sparked a strong desire to help provide assistance to Pendla.
Since then, CSB/SJU students give a little bit of their time and energy, and in return are introduced to a side of South Africa not found in tourism pamphlets.
From Nov. 28th to Dec. 10th, non-study abroad students will also be given a chance to support Pendla Primary school through the "Pennies for Pendla" annual fund drive.
In a country with more reported theft than any country in the world, CSB/SJU has ensured that the students will have access to a books, computers, chalk boards and even fresh fruits and vegetables.
All of this is made possible through donations from St. Ben's, St. John's and the surrounding communities.
Students can contribute to the "Pennies for Pendla" fundraiser by purchasing buttons for $1 at the HCC and Sexton.
They can also participate in a book order fundraising opportunity sponsored by Barnes & Noble or by using "Pennies for Pendla" vouchers.
On Dec. 5, these vouchers can be brought to Barnes & Noble and a portion of any purchase made will go directly to "Pennies for Pendla."
An event will be held at 7 p.m. that night for anyone who wants to read books or play games with kids.
Refreshments will be provided.
Students can contact education@csbsju.edu with questions about becoming involved with the Pendla Project.
For more info, they can visit our Web site: www.csbsju.edu/educationclub.
This is the opinion of Billy Graves, a senior English major at SJU. Contact him at wggraves@csbsju.edu.