Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of Unchain Our Children was invited as one of the guests of honor to the recent price giving event at Laerskool Westerlig in Danville, Pretoria.
Unchain’s presence was a constant during the years and both Wayne and Nicky McDonald, UOC’s senior social worker were regularly welcomed at the school to support and assist and actively participate in the school’s quarterly counter-bully campaign. UOC’s longstanding involvement with Westerlig has a positive impact on the learners and teachers.
With social-economic challenges the parents are being confronted with, the effects on the children are devastating and the school’s dedication to address the individual cases is admirable.
“Networking with Unchain Our Children is a big plus as we have a dependable organization to reach out to and who also tirelessly takes our calls, answers our questions and gives sound advice. They often supply much needed items like the washing machine they donated”, said Carina Nienaber, Deputy Principal with a pristine track record of 29 years serving the South African youth.
The announcing of the new learner leadership team was the highlight of the event. Temoso Mosena was announced as the head girl with Jasmin Joel as the deputy head girl while Mahletse Mangata was announced as the head boy with Mulweli Chuma as his deputy.
To become a candidate for leadership at Westerlig, certain characteristics are non-negotiable. Such a person must respect others and he/she must be respected too; be a leader and able to take charge of a situation; a decision maker; someone who has a heart for others and can listen when there is a need that is being shared; a caring person who is fair; someone who is a team player; a hardworking person who is trustworthy.
Westerlig Primary School, a beacon of light and popular for its nurturing and development of more than 800 learners by 32 teachers, is situated in Danville, Pretoria West. The school is known for creating a educational standard of note and pleasant tutoring environment inducing dedicated learning and achievement.
“Westerlig’s vision for 2025 is to continue to build healthy self-confidence among the children so they can know that “I Matter”. Another goal for 2025 is for the children to engage socially with the elderly and experience that time invested in another’s life is noble and satisfying. Such an outreach will also instill in the children a sense of worth as they realize their presence can be the greatest gift to a lonely senior citizen” said Carina enthusiastically.
Unchain Our Children is wishing Westerlig every beautiful blessing and the very best for 2025!
NOTE: Permission was granted by the parents and the deputy head mistress of Westerlig to publish the names and the photos of the children.
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