The alumni of Salt River High School, especially those from 1995, are called to help their old school. They can give money, donate needed items like food and sports gear, and even mentor students in subjects like math and writing. A recent visit to the school revealed many challenges that today’s students face, and former classmates are coming together to support them. With shared memories and a strong bond, they can make a real difference, ensuring that Salt River High remains a place of hope and opportunity for future generations. Together, they can create change and empower students to overcome obstacles in their paths.
Alumni of Salt River High School can actively support their alma mater by:
Together, they can make a lasting impact!
As I wandered through the corridors of Salt River High School, a wave of nostalgia hit me hard. It’s astonishing to think that three decades have flown by since I last roamed these halls as a student. Back then, our challenges seemed daunting, but today, the school faces even more significant hurdles. This pressing situation urges us, the Alumni of 1995, to come together and lend a helping hand.
In recent weeks, I collaborated with Kasi Angels, a non-profit organization led by the inspiring Gerald Nomlala from Khayelitsha. Gerald is on a mission to donate one million pairs of school shoes in his lifetime, and he’s already distributed nearly 70,000 pairs. Observing him as he carefully fitted shoes on the students’ feet, whispering a prayer with each knot tied, was both humbling and deeply moving.
This visit sparked a sense of urgency within me. The school that once laid the foundation for our dreams now grapples with outdated infrastructure, social issues like child-headed households, and food insecurity. Determined to make a difference, I reached out to my old classmates, urging them to join forces in supporting our alma mater.
Our WhatsApp group, initially dubbed ‘Salt River High SOS,’ started modestly with 25 members but has since grown steadily. We share laughs, discuss our current life situations, and reignite friendships that have stood the test of time. Despite the years that have passed, our camaraderie remains as strong as ever. Now approaching our 50s, many of us look back on our time at Salt River High with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude.
However, this nostalgia comes with a newfound responsibility. The Class of 2025 is facing a reality vastly different from ours. Social media scrutinizes their every move, and the threats of drugs and gang violence are ever-present. These challenges even extend into their homes, making academic success a Herculean task requiring extraordinary resilience. Recalling my own encounters with school bullies, their physical threats seem almost trivial compared to the relentless cyberbullying today’s students endure.
Thinking back to our simpler days, I remember our focus was on surviving the academic year and dreaming of university. For many of us, securing a spot in a university would have been a monumental achievement. Now, for a student from the Class of 2025, gaining university admission is a significant victory, representing an escape from daunting social and economic challenges.
Our efforts to give back extend beyond monetary donations. We understand that our time and expertise can profoundly influence these students’ lives. Imagine if my former classmate, a mathematics genius, could tutor the kids, or if I could help them with essay writing and language skills. Among us, we have accountants, journalists, engineers, and businesspeople—all ready to contribute meaningfully.
Salt River High holds a unique place in history. In 1976, it became the first school in Cape Town to march to the CBD in solidarity with the youth of Soweto, protesting against apartheid. That day was fraught with violence, with police showing no mercy to the schoolchildren. Eleven students were detained, only to be released on bail due to the efforts of the late Dullah Omar and now-retired Judge Siraj Desai. The teachers who once inspired us to pursue our dreams continue to do so with unwavering dedication.
The school needs more than just financial support. It requires a robust food bank, sports equipment, and essential items like sanitary pads for the girls. These tangible contributions can alleviate some of the immediate challenges the students face. However, our involvement must go deeper. Mentorship and guidance are invaluable, especially for students navigating a world fraught with complexities we never imagined.
Reconnecting with my classmates has been a heartwarming journey. While we are no longer the carefree teenagers we once were, the bonds we formed at Salt River High remain unbreakable. Unfortunately, some classmates have passed away, leaving us to cherish their memories. Despite the challenges of adult life, the desire to give back to the institution that shaped us remains strong.
If you were part of the matric class of 1995, I urge you to join our cause. The school gave us so much, and now it’s our turn to give back. This journey isn’t about showcasing personal successes; it’s about coming together to provide the same opportunities we had to the current and future students of Salt River High.
As we embark on this mission, I am reminded of the profound impact a small group of dedicated individuals can have. We owe it to the next generation to offer them the support and resources they need to thrive. Salt River High School, with its rich history and enduring spirit, deserves nothing less.
Through our collective efforts, we can help rebuild the school’s infrastructure, provide essential items, and offer mentorship that will guide students toward a brighter future. Let’s harness our talents and resources to make a lasting difference. Together, we can ensure that Salt River High continues to be a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.
Alumni can contribute in several meaningful ways:
– Financial donations to help with school programs and infrastructure improvements.
– Donating essential items such as food, sports equipment, and sanitary pads.
– Offering mentorship and tutoring in subjects like mathematics and writing.
– Participating in community initiatives to address broader social issues affecting students.
To reconnect with your classmates, consider joining our WhatsApp group, originally named ‘Salt River High SOS.’ It has grown significantly and serves as a platform for alumni to share stories, support each other, and discuss ways to give back to the school.
Today’s students are grappling with various challenges, including outdated infrastructure, food insecurity, and social issues like child-headed households. Additionally, they contend with threats such as drug use and gang violence, alongside the pressures of navigating a world influenced by social media.
Mentoring can provide students with guidance and support that are crucial for their academic success. Alumni with expertise in subjects like math, language skills, or specific career paths can offer invaluable assistance, helping students develop the skills and confidence needed to overcome contemporary challenges.
The school is in need of a variety of tangible items, including:
– Food supplies for a food bank.
– Sports equipment to encourage physical activity.
– Sanitary pads for female students, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
These donations can help alleviate some of the immediate challenges faced by students.
It is vital for alumni to act now because the current generation of students faces unprecedented challenges that differ significantly from those we experienced. By pooling our resources, knowledge, and experiences, we can create opportunities and support systems that empower students to thrive. This collective mission not only honors our shared history but also helps ensure that Salt River High continues to be a place of hope and opportunity for future generations.
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