Ster-Kinekor celebrated the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth , by putting smiles on children’s faces. Ster-Kinekor Bay West cinema hosted children from disadvantaged backgrounds in honour of the icon, last week Wednesday (18 July 2018).
The activities of the day included the handover of the spectacles to the children from Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth. This was done in support of the Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) of the Department of Health.
Geraldine Engelman, Head of CSI, Wellness and Transformation at Ster-Kinekor, said, “The donation is in line with one of the goals of Vision Mission to provide eye care to learners, in order to eradicate poverty by enabling them to complete their education with vision. The donation and event resonated with this year’s Mandela Day theme to take action, inspire change and make every day a Mandela Day.”
Launched in October 2005, Vision Mission has screened approximately 321 246 children from previously disadvantaged backgrounds across the country. The programme is committed to finding effective ways to secure more strategic partnerships and funding, to grow the number of activities for the project and define other innovative ways of contributing towards eye care.
As part of Vision Mission’s efforts to support Nelson Mandela’s dream to contribute to welfare of children in a positive way, learners from Erica House, Resurrection House, SOS Children’s Home, Garett Primary School and Kama Primary School were invited to the event. Learners and guests were treated scrumptious breakfast and lunch sponsored by Panarottis. Other sponsors include The Department of Health, Baywest Mall, Biggie, SLUSH PUPPIE, Lauricedale Country House, Tsogo Sun, Department of Basic Education and Department of Social Development.
Officials from the Eastern Cape Department of Health were in attendance. Gospel singer and songwriter, Julanie J entertained the guests and learners. They were all taught a song by Julanie J and surprised the audience with a performance.
Youth leaders Yeshria Pillay and Ziphozakhe Tshambo, both learners at Westering High School, delivered motivational speeches at the event.
The learners then watched The Incredibles 2. The movie was chosen because of its focus on trust in the community and having humility as super heroes, which Madiba wanted to be instilled in all children.
Each guest received a notebook and pen with Vision Mission logos, a lanyard and other goodies. The kids each received a bag with a stationery pack.
“I wish to thank all our sponsors for their generosity and partnering with us for our Mandela Day event. We believe in experiences, and for some learners, this was the first time they experienced watching a movie on the big screen. In addition, the message of the movie was educational and character-building. Madiba loved children and prioritised education for them because they are our future leaders, and we embraced that spirit in honour of him,” concluded Engelman.
