PIET MARAIS
The Grade 7 class of the Kowie Foundation School in Port Alfred had a heartwarming experience this week when they visited the Siya Soup Project in Bushman’s River Mouth. As part of their Technology syllabus, the class had to explore the topic of recycling, which included a tour of the Bushman’s River Recycling Plant.
Inspired by their learning, the students were eager to experience making a positive impact on their community, said their teacher, Winnie-Isabel le Roux. This led to a visit to the Siya Soup premises where the soup parcels are prepared and packaged.
The students were thrilled to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause. They learned first-hand about the importance of giving back and the positive impacts even small acts of kindness can have, said Le Roux.
The Siya Soup Project not only provides essential food, but also empowers individuals to participate in recycling efforts, creating a sustainable and compassionate community. The community driven effort of St David’s Anglican Church in Bushman’s began modestly three years ago. Since then, it has seen remarkable growth from delivering 300 meals three years ago to the present 5 000 meals per week with a peak of 7 000 meals in the last week of every month. Each meal packet includes rice, pasta, lentils, soy mince and flavouring.
During their visit to Bushman’s, the learners rolled up their sleeves and did the packaging themselves, even managing to set a new record of packing 500 meals in just five minutes, breaking the previous record by two and a half minutes. Reverend Ruthell Johnson of St David’s Anglican Church, who was present to accompany them on their tour and instruct the learners on how to implement the packaging, was delighted by the new record and heartily congratulated them on this achievement.
After their work in Bushman’s, the learners visited St Matthew’s Anglican Church in Marselle, where a singing group of ladies was gathered before collecting their meal packets. Two large containers with recyclable materials were on the pavement in front of the church. This shows how the community contributes for receiving their meal packets.
The group of learners then continued to Ekuphumleni, where participants were waiting in line for the learners to help distribute the meal packets, overseen by Mike Konaha, who manages the Siya Soup Project there.
“A big thank you to Father Ruthell for allowing the Grade 7s to share in their joy. It is a testament to their generosity and the positive impact they are making in their community,” said Le Roux.
- This article was first published in Talk of the Town, September 26, 2024. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays.
