Ruthies team up with the Theo Jackson Scholarship Fund boys to give back to the community
- Ruth First Trust
- May 28
- 4 min read
In this edition of our newsletter we share a heartwarming outreach initiative —where Ruth First Trust girls and Theo Jackson Scholarship boys joined forces to support primary school learners at the Malvern Library earlier this year. Nchongatakor Besong, Khumo Akaeze, Sierria Mudangwe and Lilian Chikusa, as part of the Rotary Club’s Interact programme, lead the Ruthies to embrace this opportunity to make a tangible difference in their local community. From providing a meal and homework assistance to planning a colourful mural, the project is a testament to youth leadership, collaboration, and the Ruth First Trust recipients paying it forward.
We interviewed one of our Ruth First Grade 12 leaders, Nchongatakor Besong, to tell us more about this initiative.
Q: Can you tell us what you decided to do and how the idea came about? Why did you want to do this?
We wanted to launch something that would have a meaningful impact on our immediate community, especially the youth. Khumo originally suggested the idea of a soup kitchen, and from there, we came together to build a structured plan for making it happen. It felt important to do something hands-on that would bring comfort and support to others.
Q: So you decided to make a meal and assist some primary school learners with their homework at the Malvern Library - we heard the Theo Jackson Scholarship boys were involved too. How did that collaboration come about, and what was it like working with them?
Absolutely—they played a key role. I reached out to a matric student from the Theo Jackson Fund because I thought it would be great to collaborate. He put me in touch with the teacher who regularly brings the Jeppe Boys and Theo Jackson scholars to the library. They were incredibly open to us joining their existing initiative. It was a really smooth and collaborative experience—everyone brought great energy to the project.
Q: There were four of you that ‘drove’ this project. What were each of you responsible for?
Each of us managed a specific food preparation station, which helped everything run efficiently. I acted as the main coordinator—so if anything came up, the team brought it to me and we worked together to solve it. It was a very cohesive effort.
Q: How many other Ruthies were involved in the project?
All the girls from the Ruth First Interact group joined in. Everyone was excited to help and committed to making it a success.
Q: Which teachers or staff members supported you along the way?
Mrs. Dicks was amazing—she helped secure funding and organised transport. Mrs. Ferreira supervised us during our school breaks while we were planning and accompanied us to the library. Ms. Wright let us use her kitchen and, along with Mrs. Ferreira, helped start the food prep before we left. Their support was invaluable.
Q: What was it like meeting and spending time with the children from the local primary schools who visit the Malvern Library each afternoon?
It was incredibly eye-opening. A lot of the children struggled with their schoolwork— not because they aren’t capable, but because they face really difficult circumstances. It made us so much more aware of the privilege and quality of the education we receive. It was a humbling and meaningful experience.
Kamogelo Moila Keamogetswe Edom Alex Okoye
Q: What did you learn from the experience—good or bad?
One big takeaway is that community outreach involves way more planning and coordination than you might expect. Things don’t always go in a straight line, but when you work together and stay flexible, it’s incredibly rewarding. I also learned that something that feels small to us—like a hot meal—can mean absolutely everything to someone else.
Q: Are there any plans to do something similar again?
Yes! After exams, we’re planning to return and paint a blank wall in the library with colourful illustrations to brighten the space. We want to keep showing up—not just with food, but with creativity and care too.
Q: Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
Visiting the Malvern Library really reinforced how important early education is. Scholarships at high school and university levels are vital, but we can’t forget how much of a difference strong foundations make. If learners don’t get the support they need early on, they’re already at a disadvantage long before they reach those opportunities. We hope our efforts, even if small, can help change that.
Well done to Nchong, Khumo, Sierra and Lilian for spearheading this wonderful student-lead initiative! Thanks too, to Mrs. Ferreira, Ms. Wright and Mrs. Dicks for guiding the Ruthies in giving back to the larger community through the Rotary Club Interact programme. Your support was invaluable.
Robyn Hill
Manager: Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust
Comentários