From Enterprise Staff
Students in South Africa are feeling the love from students, faculty and staff at Livingston ISD’s Creekside Elementary School and it all began with Creekside’s school nurse, Pamela DuBose.
“I mentioned we were going to South Africa in June to Creekside Principal Deanna Willmann. When I told her that I was visiting a school there, she said she would mention it to our staff and possibly send things to the school. I received several books from Alicia Donoghue and wonderful, sweet letters from Chelsea Broyles’ class that were written to the students in South Africa. I was so glad that Kelly Bowen gave me a Creekside folder to put the letters in. I also received some visual posters from Samantha Sanders, and Mrs. Vandver sent finger toys,” DuBose said.
DuBose’s sister, Patti Rogers, bought blue backpacks and pencil bags and put their school name on them. She also put finger toys in the bags. DuBose filled the bags with school supplies and also bought visual posters for the school.
“The principal said he doesn’t like for the students to bring books home because they never come back,” she said.
“Another family, the Butts from Utah, brought toothpaste, toothbrushes and dental floss to the school and Dr. Amy Butts demonstrated how to floss. Monica from Utah also brought books and donations to the school. My sister Patti taught the class a little jingle, and it was fun to hear them sing it.
“The school has around 40 students. The principal pointed out the students. (There were) first-graders, one second-grader named Alfonso and the rest were third- through seventh-graders,” DuBose said, adding, “The principal, Mr. Clint, said everyone always comes to school on Friday because the kitchen serves chicken.”
According to DuBose, the school is sponsored by the Rudman Family, which owns and operates Blaauwkrantz Safaris. She said the school doesn’t have air conditioning and is powered by solar panels.
“They have two classrooms, a very small library, and a kitchen with one cook. When I asked where the sink was, the principal held up a large rusty bowl,” DuBose said.
“The principal and his students were very welcoming and appreciative. I had tears in my eyes when the principal read the letters from our Creekside students. One letter said ‘You are loved.’ Another letter said to ‘Be Kind’ and ‘Love one another.’ There were several other letters with pictures of themselves, basketballs and the alphabet.
“I was so proud of our Creekside family for sharing! The trip to the school was a very humbling experience,” DuBose said.
