Spreading Joy: St Stithians Girls’ College Brings Festive Cheer to 300 Children In Alexandra

Once again, St Stithians Girls' College partnered with Swaragano NPO, an organisation founded by Mpho and her mother in 2021 during the lockdown. Recognising the need for food among the children in their informal settlement, Swaragano began as a heartfelt response to ensure no child went hungry. Today, Mpho continues to rely on donations to feed the children in her community every day.

This year, the Girls' College decided to extend its support by spreading festive cheer to Mpho’s community. The initiative focused on creating Christmas boxes filled with gifts for the children. The entire school rallied behind this meaningful project. Teachers, students, and parents all played a role in bringing it to life.

Teachers began by donating either completed Christmas boxes or items to fill them. Students were tasked with contributing one item each through their tutor groups, working together to assemble the boxes. Some groups even took on the joyful task of wrapping the boxes within their tutor groups. Parents joined in generously, donating items, boxes, and even completed Christmas boxes. The collective effort of the Girls' College community was overwhelming, with donations pouring in far beyond expectations. The goal was to create 250 Christmas boxes.

Under the Accessible Service Club, students met every Thursday afternoon to carefully wrap and sort the boxes, ensuring each was age-appropriate and thoughtfully prepared. Inspired by this spirit of giving, they also began crafting ABC boards through one of our student organisations, Golden Hope Foundation, and colouring books for the children.

As examination season approached, when students had less time to dedicate, the Girls' College mothers stepped in. After dropping off their daughters for examinations, many stayed behind to wrap and organise more boxes, ensuring the project stayed on track. Their dedication propelled the school far beyond its goal, resulting in 280 beautifully assembled Christmas boxes for the children, 20 additional packs made from leftover items that could not complete full boxes, and even 8 special boxes for the hardworking kitchen staff who selflessly cook for the children every day without pay.

The big day arrived with more than just gifts in store. Before the children received their presents, the St Stithians students prepared sandwiches and served fruit and juice for breakfast. They then split into groups to entertain and engage the children. One group led joyful dancing and music sessions, while another handed out colouring books and assisted the children with their artwork. Laughter and happiness filled the air as students and children from Alexandra bonded over shared moments of fun.

For lunch, the children were treated to a delicious meal of pap, boerewors stew, chakalaka, and coleslaw, lovingly prepared by the Girls’ College parents and Swaragano staff. The excitement reached its peak when not one but two St Stithians staff made an appearance dressed as Father Christmas, bringing gifts for each child.

The joy on the children’s faces as they received their gifts is a memory that will remain with all who were present. For some, it was the first time they had ever received a gift just for them. Though a few were timid around Santa (and Santa’s twin!), their smiles and laughter spoke volumes about the impact of this day.

Above all, heartfelt thanks to the Girls' College students who selflessly gave their time and energy, even forgetting to eat themselves in their commitment to ensuring that over 300 children were well-fed and cared for. This event was a true testament to the power of community and compassion, leaving everyone involved with a sense of pride and fulfilment.

Special thanks go to the donors who made this day possible:

• Carreira Fruits and Vegetables in Ferndale for the fruits and vegetables.
• PowerSave Express Randburg for their generous grocery donation.
• Sloane Butchery for the boerewors that fed more than 300 people.
• The Operations Department for providing the gas stove used on the day.

Acknowledgment also goes to Mr Thembile Makhoba from the Operations Department, who brought Santa to life and played a key role in planning the event, and Daisy from Mpilo Life for medical support. A special mention to Mrs Khumo Kekana, Head of the Girls’ College Community Engagement Parent Committee, for her leadership and dedication in ensuring the success of this initiative.

A project of this magnitude required contributions from many, and the Girls’ College community rose to the challenge. From staff, parents, and students, every donation—big or small—made a meaningful impact. As Mpho reminded us, “No gift from the heart is ever too small.” These acts of kindness brought hope and restored faith in humanity for the children and their families.

Well done to the entire Girls’ College community for making a meaningful difference and showing the true spirit of giving.