In a direct response to rising concerns over learner absenteeism caused by severe shortages of basic necessities, community organizations have mobilized to support Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe’s urgent Back-to-School Programme.
-- In a direct response to rising concerns over learner absenteeism caused by severe shortages of basic necessities, community organizations have mobilized to support Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe’s urgent Back-to-School Programme.
The civic initiative was launched after local leaders identified that vulnerable children were missing critical early-year classes simply because they lacked basic stationery, school shoes, and sanitary products. While the Eastern Cape Department of Education reported 99% readiness for the 2026 academic year, unexpected over-enrolment at several metro schools left many learners without essential instructional materials.
The localized crisis reflects a severe national challenge. Recent research by UN Women and Stellenbosch University highlights that approximately 30% of school-going girls miss class each month due to a lack of sanitary products—equating to nearly 1.9 million girls nationally. Furthermore, reports indicate that 74% of Grade 5 learners in no-fee schools face ongoing shortages of basic supplies.
Answering Mayor Lobishe's public call for assistance on social media, local volunteers rapidly coordinated a supply drop directly to the Mayor's office this week. The delivery included comprehensive resources for the municipality's "Pride Packs," encompassing school shoes in various sizes, sanitary towels, pens, exercise books, and essential classroom tools designed to support dozens of at-risk students.
“I am deeply encouraged by this contribution, which reflects a shared commitment to restoring dignity, inspiring confidence, and ensuring that our children are fully equipped to succeed in the classroom,” Executive Mayor Lobishe stated upon receiving the resources. “Education remains a cornerstone of empowerment, and it is through partnerships such as these that we are able to support our learners and strengthen our communities.”
The donation was facilitated by the Volunteer Ministers, a disaster response and community upliftment initiative operating with the affiliate support of the Church of Scientology.
“When I saw the Mayor's post, I immediately thought about the children sitting at home, missing out on what could be the key to their success because they lack basic supplies,” said Sabelo Bless, Director of Public Affairs and Social Reform for the Church in the Eastern Cape. “Our motto is that ‘Something CAN be done about it,’ and we acted on that belief. Today represents the power of partnership between the city and community volunteers.”
This recent educational support effort in Nelson Mandela Bay continues a sustained pattern of civic assistance from the Volunteer Ministers, whose localized rapid-response teams previously provided extensive relief during the 2022–2023 Durban floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact Info:
Name: Sandile Hlayisi
Email: Send Email
Organization: Scientology Volunteer Ministers
Address: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Phone: 061 907 9325
Website: https://www.scientology.org/
Video URL: https://studio.youtube.com/video/bkUy2jrjNOc/edit
Release ID: 89184640
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