The 67 Kids to School campaign is a heartfelt effort by students at SACS High School to help underprivileged children in the Western Cape get ready for school. Every year, they raise money to buy uniforms, bags, and school supplies for at least 67 learners, inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy. The students don’t just raise funds – they personally buy and deliver the items, meeting the children and building connections. This hands-on approach teaches empathy, teamwork, and leadership, showing how small, caring actions can open doors to a brighter future for many kids.
What is the 67 Kids to School campaign and how does it support children in the Western Cape?
The 67 Kids to School campaign, inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy, is a student-led initiative at SACS High School that raises funds to provide school essentials for underprivileged children. It emphasizes direct action, empathy, and community engagement to equip at least 67 learners annually with uniforms, bags, and stationery.
The Dawn of a Tradition: A Run Fueled by Hope
Early one August morning, the expansive grounds of SACS High School brimmed with anticipation. Five Grade 11 students, energized by a sense of mission, clustered at the starting line. Their goal extended well beyond personal bests or athletic accolades. As they prepared for the run, they carried with them a vision to bridge opportunity gaps for children across the Western Cape. This annual event signaled more than another fundraiser; it captured the spirit and purpose of the 67 Kids to School campaign as it entered its eleventh year.
The roots of the campaign trace back to Nelson Mandela’s 67 years of public service, a number that represents steadfast dedication throughout South Africa’s transformative journey. Inspired by his legacy, four SACS students launched the initiative in 2015, eager to act on their sense of responsibility. Year after year, the campaign has grown in both scope and impact, now boasting over R600,000 raised and support for upwards of 600 learners. The torch passes each year to a new student steering committee, infusing the cause with renewed determination and ideas. For 2025, the team sets a meaningful target: to equip at least 67 underprivileged children with everything they need for a confident return to school.
These students do not merely participate in a time-honored ritual. They embody the drive to make real change, fueled by the stories and needs of their peers in less advantaged communities. Their annual fundraising run has become a rite of passage, blending physical effort with the deeper work of social transformation.
Grassroots Leadership: Young Voices, Lasting Impact
Delving into the campaign’s origins uncovers a narrative shaped by idealism and pragmatism. The project channels the Enlightenment idea that education is the bedrock of personal and societal freedom. SACS students have taken this philosophy beyond the classroom, showing their peers – and the broader community – that young people can be powerful agents of change.
Marley Koch, one of this year’s organizers, explains the significance of collective action. “Each contribution, no matter how small, brings us closer to giving a child a brighter future,” he shares. His words capture the heart of the initiative. For Marley and his teammates, fundraising is never just a theoretical exercise. Each rand collected, each kilometer run, connects their own privilege to the wider need for justice and equity in their society.
Through this campaign, students internalize the link between personal responsibility and collective well-being. They learn that effective civic engagement does not require fame or political office. Instead, it begins with empathy and a willingness to take action, regardless of age or background.
Working on 67 Kids to School offers these learners more than an extracurricular title. It cultivates essential skills – budgeting, communication, problem-solving – that extend far beyond the school walls. Each year, the student organizers acquire experience in leadership and teamwork, growing into advocates for social change both locally and beyond.
Hands-On Change: Integrity Through Direct Action
What makes 67 Kids to School stand out among countless charitable projects is its emphasis on transparency, authenticity, and direct engagement. The students do not hand over funds to a nameless intermediary. Instead, they personally select and purchase every item: uniforms, school bags, stationery, and other essentials. They then visit each beneficiary school to distribute the supplies, ensuring that every donation translates into a tangible outcome.
This model fosters trust and accountability. Donors witness exactly how their support helps children access education, while the organizers build relationships with the recipients and their communities. The hands-on approach strengthens ties across social divides, echoing the collaborative ethos seen in artisan movements where creators, materials, and users share a meaningful connection.
The act of sourcing supplies and delivering them in person brings the students face-to-face with those they aim to help. This direct interaction not only boosts transparency but also deepens empathy – turning statistics into stories, and challenges into partnerships for progress.
Personal stories from past campaigns breathe life into the numbers. One organizer recalled visiting a rural school, where students greeted them with shy excitement. Among the recipients, a young girl named Thandi hugged her new backpack and whispered, “Now I can go to school every day.” Such moments illuminate the profound difference these efforts make – not just on paper, but in the daily realities of children whose potential would otherwise remain untapped.
Inspiring Narratives: Artistry, Community, and Legacy
Creativity pulses through every aspect of 67 Kids to School. Each new group of leaders designs campaign posters, crafts compelling social media stories, and orchestrates events that blend enjoyment with altruism. Their ability to communicate the campaign’s purpose, both online and in person, amplifies their reach and creates a vibrant community around their cause.
In today’s interconnected world, these students skillfully harness digital tools to share their mission. Photos, personal accounts, and updates ripple outward, drawing friends, families, alumni, and local businesses into the orbit of giving. Donors become more than benefactors – they join a living, growing network invested in each child’s journey.
The campaign’s momentum also owes much to the culture of mentorship and collaboration it fosters. As each generation of SACS students steps into leadership roles, they lean on the wisdom of those who came before: strategies refined, lessons learned, and relationships forged over a decade of service. Former organizers often return to guide newcomers, strengthening the chain of impact and passing down a legacy of civic engagement.
Brendan Grant, the school’s headmaster, emphasizes the critical role education plays in unlocking opportunities. He notes that when a child receives the basics needed for school, barriers fall and new possibilities emerge. The ripple effects extend beyond the students themselves: parents witness the power of community support, teachers see renewed motivation, and the seeds of generosity take root across neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead: Resilience and Renewal
As the 67 Kids to School campaign embarks on its eleventh chapter, the enthusiasm at SACS High School is unmistakable. The current team, undeterred by the challenges ahead, draws strength from the campaign’s history and the tangible progress made year after year. They continue to innovate, experimenting with fresh fundraising strategies, building new partnerships, and expanding their network of supporters throughout the Western Cape and beyond.
The campaign’s ongoing vitality demonstrates its ability to adapt and remain relevant in a changing world. In an era when cynicism can sometimes overshadow hope, these young leaders offer a counter-narrative. Their persistent, often humble efforts remind us that large-scale change frequently begins with small acts: a group of friends, a shared commitment, a single child equipped for the future.
Through 67 Kids to School, the students at SACS High School model compassion, creativity, and accountability. They invite their peers and community to join in building a society where every child can step confidently into the classroom, ready to learn and dream. As the campaign continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the enduring power of grassroots activism – a reminder that, together, even the youngest among us can open doors to a brighter tomorrow.
FAQ: 67 Kids to School Campaign
What is the 67 Kids to School campaign and what inspired it?
The 67 Kids to School campaign is a student-led initiative at SACS High School aimed at supporting underprivileged children in the Western Cape by providing school uniforms, bags, and supplies. It was inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy of 67 years of public service and dedication to social justice. Each year, the campaign equips at least 67 learners to start school with the essentials they need to succeed.
How do students participate in the campaign beyond fundraising?
Students are actively involved in every step of the campaign. They not only raise funds through events like an annual fundraising run but also personally purchase the school items and deliver them to beneficiary schools. This hands-on approach fosters empathy, leadership, and accountability, allowing students to connect directly with the children they help.
How has the campaign grown since its inception in 2015?
Since launching in 2015 with just a few students, the campaign has expanded significantly, raising over R600,000 and supporting more than 600 learners to date. Each year a new student committee takes over, bringing fresh ideas and energy to the cause while maintaining the spirit of community and direct action.
What skills and values do participating students gain through the campaign?
Involvement in 67 Kids to School cultivates vital skills such as budgeting, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. More importantly, students develop empathy and a deep sense of social responsibility, learning firsthand how collective action can create meaningful change in society.
How does the campaign ensure transparency and accountability?
Transparency is a core principle of the campaign. Instead of simply handing over money to intermediaries, students personally buy the school supplies and deliver them to the children at their schools. This direct engagement builds trust with donors and recipients alike, turning donations into tangible outcomes and personal connections.
What impact does the campaign have on the broader community?
Beyond helping individual children, the campaign inspires community engagement, strengthens social ties, and encourages a culture of generosity. Parents, teachers, and local businesses become part of a supportive network, while the campaign’s storytelling and digital outreach foster ongoing awareness and involvement in educational equity across the Western Cape.
