By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – A local non-profit organisation is making a visible difference in the lives of schoolchildren in Bluegumbosch through a simple but powerful act: polishing learners’ shoes before they head to class.
Members of Destroyer Academy have launched a voluntary hygiene and discipline initiative, positioning themselves at school gates and nearby bus stops to clean learners’ shoes free of charge.
Armed with polish and brushes, the group aims to restore dignity, boost confidence and encourage school attendance.
Co-founder Kgotsofetse Jonas said the initiative forms part of the organisation’s broader mission to empower communities through practical, people-centred programmes.
“This is one of many projects we run as an organisation. We focus on education, agriculture, sports, arts and social development, all aimed at building a self-sustaining community where everyone has access to opportunities,” Jonas explained.
He said volunteers assist learners at different points in the morning, including along routes where pupils gather for transport.
“We polish learners’ shoes next to bus stops where they wait for transport, and some of our members also assist at school gates,” he said.
Jonas emphasised that the initiative addresses more than just appearance — it tackles issues of self-esteem and inclusion among young learners.
“Some children feel discouraged from going to school simply because they don’t have shoe polish at home. They feel out of place,” he said.
“No child should feel like they don’t belong because of how they look.”
The programme has already drawn attention from the community, with many praising the organisation’s hands-on approach to restoring dignity and promoting discipline among learners.
As the initiative grows, Destroyer Academy hopes to expand its reach and inspire similar efforts in other communities — proving that even the smallest gestures can have a lasting impact on a child’s education journey.
