Having to experience the struggle first hand, film director and community leader Temba Maseko started an organisation called “Put a Smile on a Child’s Face” in a bid to help underprivileged children.
Growing up from the dusty streets of Phiri in Soweto, Maseko was inspired by a family in the community who could not afford to buy warm clothes and shoes for their children.
“When I approached the family of the children, I found out that they were raised by their grandmother and their father had left them with their grandparents. I was touched how the situation at home was and that made me to help the family,” said Themba.
So far, Maseko has donated school shoes to two children in Phiri and the initiative aims to touch more lives around Soweto.
Grandparents are raising many children around Soweto and this becomes difficult for children to receive full uniforms for school as the family might survive on social grant.
“Sometimes I would have spare money to spend but I would think what is it that I would do better to save another child, as a parent it’s not nice to see another child suffer and go hungry. As a community we need to make a difference in our environment and invest in the young generation,” said Themba.
Maseko started to donate sneakers to a young girl around Soweto and he plans to donate more than sneakers to the unprivileged children.
“When I first started this, the community was curious about what I do and they wanted to contribute towards this great initiative. The response has been great and it’s encouraging to see more people wanting to join.”
Put a smile on a child’s face campaign will be making their next donation on September and they aim to grow the organization all over Soweto.
