Seluleko Sabela hands the giant cheque for R1500 over to representatives of the Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre
As part of the community service projects that honoured Nelson Mandela’s centenary birth year, Durban High School collaborated with the Durban Youth Council (DYC) in a Blue Ribbons fundraiser. The Blue ribbons symbolised awareness against child abuse.
Blue ribbons were created by the Grade 11 DYC representatives from Durban High School with great support and assistance from the School’s Director of Community Service, Mrs G Joshua. Through the support and permission of Durban High School’s management, the Ribbons were sold to students during a two week period. More Grade 11 boys volunteered to facilitate the sales of the ribbons under Mrs Joshua’s guidance. A number boys and staff supported the project and wore their blue ribbons pledging solidarity against any form of abuse against children in our communities. A total of R1500 was raised and the funds were donated to the Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre in Queensburgh.
To Mr Pinheiro, for supporting and allowing the collaboration between Durban High School and the Durban Youth Council; to Mrs Joshua, for her insurmountable support, time and energy which ensured the success of the project; to my Grade 11 brothers that also gave their time and energy to assist with the project; to the Durban High School staff and boys that bought ribbons and helped raise the funds donated to the Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre; to Ms S Drew, for creating the beautiful large cheque that was presented at the handover ceremony; not forgetting my DYC colleagues for their never ending support – a huge thank you to all of you! The Ethelbert Child and Youth Care Centre also gives their heartfelt thanks for our hard work and support for their Centre and the work they do.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”
It is up to all of us, young and old, to take action and build each other up. This project proves that it is not impossible nor hard to make a difference or be part of making a difference in people’s lives.
Seluleko Sabela
Grade 11 Boy and a 2018 representative of the Durban Youth Council
