On Friday 3 February 2023, members of Shincheonji Youth Volunteer Group hosted a back-to-school stationery drive to provide essential school supplies to support underresourced school learners at Parkvale Primary School in Valhalla Park, Cape Town, South Africa.

Amid the ongoing struggling economy in South Africa, families are experiencing financial difficulties at the start of the new school year, resulting in a lack of basic school supplies learners need to succeed. Through Shincheonji Church of Jesus' various community outreach and support projects, families are being supported to ensure their child has the necessary tools to participate in the learning process.

More than 200 stationery packs were distributed to pupils from years 4 to 7 at Parkvale Primary School and all back-to-school resources, including pens, pencils, notebooks, scissors, rulers and other essential items, have been donated by Shincheonji members from around Cape Town.

Hundreds of excited pupils participated in the festive activities and ambiance created by Shincheonji Volunteers on the school grounds. A dance-off was even hosted for pupils.

“We believe that every scholar deserves the chance to succeed, regardless of their family’s financial situation or their social standing,” said Shincheonji Youth Volunteers spokesperson Nic Ngcobo. “This stationery drive is one small way we can make a big difference in the lives of these deserving scholars.”

Shincheonji Church of Jesus is also hosting similar back-to-school drives in other cities and communities throughout South Africa, including Johannesburg, Durban, Gqeberha, Bafokeng, Pietermaritzburg, and as far afield as Windhoek in Namibia and Harare in Zimbabwe.