The Dis-Chem Foundation gathered the various stakeholders to witness the new chapter of the Million Comforts Campaign at the Willow Crescent Secondary School in Eldorado Park, on a scotching summer day yesterday, with 1600 learners neatly dressed in bright school uniform assembled to welcome visitors with great anticipation.
Whilst the core of the campaign remains keeping girls in school by providing sanitary pads, the Million Comforts Campaign has now broadened its scope to respond to the wider social, health and developmental challenges faced by all learners. The programme prioritises non-fee-paying government schools and aims to equip learners with the confidence, skills and support they need to succeed, regardless of background, gender or academic standing.
In his opening remarks, Programme Director on the day, Deputy Principal Isaiah Baloyi expressed gratitude for The Dis-Chem Foundation’s selection of Willow Crescent Secondary School to launch the new chapter of Million Comforts. Highlighting his school’s reputation for excellence, he invited three of his senior learners to the stage, where they delivered stunning solo a cappella performances that both entertained the audience and served as interludes during the guest speeches.
Principal Olivia Hill noted that most of the school’s learners come from disadvantaged backgrounds and face numerous social challenges, making the school’s partnerships invaluable in easing this burden. Despite these hurdles, the learners have maintained high standards of learning and discipline, with the class of 2025 achieving an impressive 95.5% matric pass rate. The school’s slogan is: ‘Discipline today, freedom tomorrow!’ Educator and Member of the Teacher Liaison Officers, Evodia Tladi, explained that the school runs programmes through its Learner Leadership Development structures, including the media committee, which played an active role during the event.
“The dedication to supporting young girls through the Million Comforts Campaign over the years has left a lasting impact and it’s our delight to include young boys as well, with the aim to keep all learners in school. We have been working with our partners to highlight the importance of financial literacy, entrepreneurial development and personal health education amongst others, said Jaqueline Kahlberg of the Dis-Chem Foundation”. As she and her team handed over the hygiene packs to the learners, their faces lighted up with smiles of gratitude and appreciation.
Clete Stevis from the Humanitarian Empowerment Fund, one of Million Comforts’ partners, motivated learners toward setting positive life goals. He shared that his passion for the youth stems from his humble background, and how grateful he is to his mentors and family members who never gave up on him. “You change the community one person at a time”, Stevis stated.
Speaking from Suzuki Auto South Africa, Henno Havenga, General Manager: Sales and Marketing, mentioned that how honoured he is to have the opportunity to work with stakeholders that orchestrate immense work in communities.
As one of the speakers, Sheldon Tatchell, Founder and CEO of Legends Barbershop, shared his life story with the learners on how he started his business with only a clipper and a chair on the side of the road. “I know where you come from, I know how it is to have nothing at home, how it feels to have nothing but a daily struggle, looking up to unemployed parents. But I tell you, know that your background does not determine your destiny. Anything that you put your mind to is possible”, as he quoted a scripture.
According to Dis-Chem Assistant, Luvokazi Nkonzo, more schools have been identified around Gauteng and in other provinces across the country as beneficiaries of the foundation’s interventions to aid with access to health services, hygiene and health education, mentorship and life-skills development, as well as career-pathway guidance and exposure to public schools.
Jerry Sokhupe
Soweto Sunrise News
