MBOMBELA — A community-led project that began after its founder saw learners sitting in class without pens and pencils has completed a pilot stationery drive and is preparing to expand to other schools in Mpumalanga.
Pilot distributes basic supplies to Makoko Primary
The TOYA Foundation, established by Jabulane Mondlane, handed out basic stationery to 120 learners at Makoko Primary School on 17 September in what Mondlane described as a successful pilot. The drive supplied essentials such as pens, pencils, rulers and erasers to pupils identified as needing the most help.
“The foundation also seeks to protect learners’ dignity by supporting whole classes rather than publicly singling out individual children who require assistance,” said Mondlane.
Mondlane said the foundation selects beneficiaries in collaboration with school principals and teachers, who help determine which learners are most in need. Teachers at Makoko have reportedly recorded improvements in both attendance and classroom participation following the donation.
Demand outstrips founder-funded resources
The initiative operates under the slogan ‘Strength Through Community’ and provides stationery, school uniforms and learning support to learners from underprivileged communities. At present, the foundation relies largely on Mondlane’s personal contributions and assistance from small businesses in Mbombela.
Despite early success, Mondlane said demand exceeds available resources and that fundraising and wider community support will be necessary to sustain and scale the work.
- Completed pilot: Makoko Primary — 120 learners supplied
- Planned expansion: Malekutu — 496 learners identified as potential beneficiaries
- Other interest: Impumelelo Primary School under consideration
Plans to broaden support while protecting dignity
Mondlane emphasised the foundation’s approach of supporting whole classes to avoid singling out individual pupils. He said the longer-term goal is to establish a learner support programme that combines stationery, uniforms and additional academic support.
The foundation’s initial focus on stationery addresses an immediate barrier to participation in class, but Mondlane also flagged the need for more comprehensive support if the programme is to have sustained educational impact.
Local impact and practical implications
Teachers’ observations of improved attendance and participation echo findings from other community assistance efforts: removing small material obstacles can increase learners’ ability to engage in lessons. For parents and caregivers, the cost savings from basic supplies can be meaningful, especially in households under financial strain.
Residents and local businesses who want to help can consider contributing stationery packs, volunteering to assist with drives at schools, or supporting small fundraising initiatives run by the foundation. Mondlane said the foundation welcomes partnerships that preserve beneficiary dignity and target whole-class support.
| School | Result / Status |
|---|---|
| Makoko Primary | 120 learners received stationery in pilot drive |
| Malekutu | 496 learners identified as potential beneficiaries |
| Impumelelo Primary | Under consideration for assistance |
As a correspondent who watches how basic services and community action intersect with education, I note that small, targeted interventions like stationery drives can have outsized effects on learner morale and classroom dynamics. The success at Makoko suggests a replicable model for nearby schools, provided the foundation can secure steady support.
Mondlane said the TOYA Foundation will continue to identify schools in need through discussions with principals and teachers. He invited community stakeholders who can contribute resources or organisational support to contact the foundation to help meet demand.
