Young Student Leads Baby Drive to Support Vulnerable Children

In a world where small acts of kindness often make the greatest impact, one young student, Hope Ntuli, has taken his commitment to community service to a new level.For the past two years, Hope has dedicated his time to volunteering at Impilo Child Protection and Adoption Services, where he has witnessed first-hand both the extraordinary work being done for vulnerable children and the ongoing need for essential resources.

“For Impilo, I wanted to do more than simply donate; I wanted to create an initiative that would bring our school community together for a greater cause,” Hope explained.Motivated by this vision, Hope proposed a baby drive in honour of Nelson Mandela Day. With the support of St John’s The Bridge Nursery School, he set out not only to collect clothes, diapers, toys, and toiletries but also to raise awareness about the valuable work Impilo does.

The initiative officially launched on 9 June, and soon after, the spirit of generosity spread throughout the school community. Parents arrived daily with bags of donations,their contributions reflecting both compassion and solidarity.

“Each donation represented more than an item; it was a symbol of compassion, a reminder that even small acts can create a ripple of change,” Hope said.By 18 July, Nelson Mandela Day, the project had grown into a powerful display of collective kindness. Hope and his team carefully sorted and packaged every contribution,before personally delivering them to Impilo. The caregivers welcomed the donation with gratitude, acknowledging the relief it would bring in meeting the daily needs of the babies and young children in their care.

Zodwa, a staff member at Impilo who has worked closely with Hope, praised the initiative: “Hope’s baby drive has not only helped meet urgent needs at our centre, but it has also shown the children and caregivers that they are supported by a wider community. His compassion and leadership are truly inspiring,” she said. For Hope, the project was more than a school initiative. It became a personal journey of leadership, compassion, and empowerment.

“What began as a simple idea became a powerful reminder of the impact that collective effort can have,” he reflected. “It showed me that with initiative, planning, and compassion, young people can lead projects that truly change lives. “Through his vision, Hope not only supported an organisation close to his heart but also inspired his peers and their families to recognise the difference they can make in the lives of vulnerable children.