(Baitul Salaamz), Shameem Baksh (Ladli Foundation Africa), Tasneem Moosa and Portia
Cooper (Laudium Primary School teachers)… ready to hand out ear warmers.
With the bitterly cold winter mornings being felt by young and old, two community organisations recently joined hands to spread some warmth amongst learners and elderly residents in the Laudium area. Baitul Salaamz led by Juwairya Aboobaker), together with Ladli Foundation Africa (led by Shameem Baksh, Marsha Piaray and Komla Naidoo), embarked on a winter outreach initiative themed, “Warm Ears, Kind Hearts, Bright Futures.” As part of the initiative, winter ear warmers (ear muffs) were distributed to learners at various local schools including Hillside Primary, Laudium Heights Primary, Jacaranda Primary, Laudium Primary, Andrew Anthony Primary, Al-Asr and Sunrise School. However, the initiative was not only about keeping the youngsters’ ears warm during the cold winter mornings. During visits to the schools, learners were also engaged on kindness, respect and anti-bullying and were encouraged to become “upstanders, not bystanders” when witnessing bullying or unfair treatment. The winter warmth was also extended to the elderly, with ear warmers distributed to residents and members of Laudium Care Services for the Aged (LCSA), The Monday Club, Thursday Health Club, Laudium Mental Health and the Laudium Retirement Home.
‘Warm Ears, Kind Hearts, Bright Futures’
Warm community partnership brings warm care to Laudium
As winter continues to bring bitterly cold mornings across the country, especially this past week, two community-focused organisations joined forces to bring warmth, encouragement and hope to children and elderly residents in Laudium.
Baitul Salaamz, under the leadership of Director Juwairya Aboobaker and Ladli Foundation Africa, led by Directors Shameem Baksh, Marsha Piaray and Komla Naidoo, partnered in a community outreach initiative themed “Warm Ears, Kind Hearts, Bright Futures.”
The initiative combines practical winter support with an important message of kindness, education, self-belief and positive choices. Winter ear warmers (ear muffs) were distributed to learners at several primary schools across Laudium, helping protect young learners from the cold while reinforcing the message that every child deserves to feel cared for, valued and supported.
Komla Naidoo, Shameem Baksh, Marsha Piaray and Juwairya Aboobaker.
More than just keeping warm
The campaign goes beyond the distribution of winter items. During the school visits, the teams engaged with learners on issues that affect their everyday lives and future development.
Key messages included kindness, respect and anti-bullying, with learners encouraged to become “upstanders, not bystanders” and to speak up when they see bullying or unfair treatment.
Children were also encouraged to understand the importance of education, regular school attendance, making positive choices and setting goals for their future.
The message was simple but powerful: ‘dream big, work hard, believe in yourself and understand that your choices today can help shape your tomorrow.’
Reaching schools across Laudium
The winter outreach reached learners at:
– Hillside Primary School
– Laudium Heights Primary School
– Jacaranda Primary School
– Laudium Primary School
– Andrew Anthony Primary School
– Al Asr, Claudius
The organisations expressed their appreciation to the schools, principals, educators and communities who welcomed the initiative and helped make the outreach possible.
Extending the warmth to the elderly
The campaign also recognised that winter can be particularly difficult for elderly members of the community. Ear warmers were distributed to elderly residents and members of community groups including:
– Laudium Care Services for the Aged (LCSA)
– The Monday Club
– Thursday Health Club
– Laudium Mental Health
For the organisers, the initiative was about more than a winter donation. It was about reminding people that community care should extend across generations.
Building stronger communities together
Shameem Baksh of Ladli Foundation Africa told the Laudium Sun, “The collaboration between Baitul Salaamz and Ladli Foundation Africa demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when community organisations, businesses, schools and individuals work together toward a common purpose. ‘Warm Ears, Kind Hearts, Bright Futures’ reflects a belief that community development is not only about providing material assistance, but also about planting seeds of confidence, kindness, responsibility and hope.
By combining practical support with positive educational and character-building messages, the initiative aims to create an environment where children feel protected and encouraged to reach their potential, while elderly residents are reminded that they remain an important and valued part of the community. As the organisers, we believe that meaningful change begins with small acts of kindness and grows when people choose to work together.”
Get involved
Shameem added, “Companies, organisations and community stakeholders interested in supporting or collaborating on future community initiatives are encouraged to contact Ladli Foundation Africa.
Contact: 071 542 5484
Email: ‘Shameem@ladlifoundation.org’
Together, we can build communities where no one is forgotten and every generation has an opportunity to feel supported, valued and inspired.”
‘Warm ears. Kind hearts. Bright futures.’