Pupil delivers on promise of pencils

Marsha Bothma|Published 8 months ago

Former Westridge teen, Havanna van der Watt, 15, from Kraaifontein provided the over 150 stationery packs to pupils at Mitchell’s Plain Primary School and Parkhurst Primary School through her project, Pencils of Promise on Wednesday June 19.

A former Westridge teen has provided over 150 stationery packs to pupils in Westridge and Tafelsig.

On Wednesday July 19, supported by the Kay Mason Foundation (KMF) and Van Schaik Bookstore, Havanna van der Watt, 15, from Kraaifontein provided the stationery packs to pupils at Mitchell’s Plain Primary School and Parkhurst Primary School, which is also her alma mater, through her project called Pencils of Promise.

The Kay Mason Foundation offers a scholarship-based education programme, and psychosocial support to promising students from undeserved communities.

Havanna said: “Thank you to the Kay Mason Foundation and Van Schaik Bookstore because this wouldn't have been a reality without their help. They have truly done everything they could for me.”

She said impactful giving and ethical leadership is what motivated her to give back to her community.

She saw that many pupils in school didn’t have what they needed during lessons.

From left are Mitchell’s Plain Primary School pupils with their stationery packs, Keesha Schilder, Jenna Titus, Leah Pentolfe, Leah Rodriques and Tharwah Sylvester.

KMFs CEO Lauren Bright, said: “Including ethics and integrity in our curriculum is vital to the growth of our scholars. We were so excited when Havanna, one of our winners of our Ethical Leadership Campaign in 2023, was able to officially launch her Pencils of Promise project.”

Havanna's project is not just a testament to her dedication but also to the power of partnership, she said.

Havanna pitched her idea directly to Van Schaik Bookstore. “We are truly thankful to the team at Van Schaik, for giving Havanna the confidence, resources, and capacity she needed to make this project a massive success,” said Ms Bright.

Pictured are Mitchell’s Plain Primary School pupils who received stationery packs donated to them by Havanna van der Watt.

“Knowing that what you've done has come from your heart, passion, and purpose is truly inspiring. We salute you, and we know that Pencils of Promise will only go from strength to strength,” she said.

Margaret Vyver, marketing manager at Van Schaik Bookstore said they were drawn to help Havanna’s project because of her heart to help others.

Alan Frenchman, principal of Mitchell’s Plain Primary School, said Havanna has reminded them that the journey doesn't end when you leave school. It’s special to witness how much she’s grown and what she’s achieved. Continue with the good work," he said.