CLL’s Xi Mu Chapter of ASL host Uniform Drive for Learners Abroad

The Xi Mu chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda (ASL) National Honor Society in the College of Lifelong Learning (CLL) at Jackson State University is sponsoring a uniform drive for the students of Matshangule Primary School. Matshangule is in Kwadlangezwa, South Africa. The small school is home to nearly 400 impoverished children living in the surrounding rural township. Many of the students have lost their parents to HIV/AIDs and their caregivers (often grandparents) cannot afford to buy school uniforms. “Because we know ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’ perhaps even an international village…,” states Johnnie Mills-Jones, Dean of the College of Lifelong Learning, “we [the Xi Mu Chapter of ASL in the CLL] are committed to doing our part for these young children.”

The Xi Mu Chapter of ASL seeks uniform donations from persons/organizations that will help make a difference in the lives of the Matshangule children. The Chapter is asking for navy blue pants, shorts, skirts, and sweaters, as well as light blue shirts, white and black socks, and black shoes. The children’s clothes size range from 4T (toddler) – 16 (youth) and their shoe sizes are between a toddler’s 5 through an adult 7. “We need community support to make this uniform drive successful,” states Will Jones, Director of Evening/Weekend College and Chapter Sponsor of the Mississippi Xi Mu Chapter. “Children who want to learn should not be distracted by environmental or economical hardships,” adds Will Jones.

The uniform drive is the first for the newly organized Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda. Initiated and brought to Jackson State University’s College of Lifelong Learning in 2008, Xi Mu is best known for its devotion to the advancement of scholarship and recognition of nontraditional students continuing their higher education. Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society was established in 1945-46 to honor superior scholarship and leadership in adult students. It is the oldest and largest chapter-based honor society for full- & part-time adult students in the nation.

To donate to the uniform drive or for more information about Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society or the College of Lifelong Learning, call 601-432-6879 or email cll@jsums.edu or visit online at www.jsums.edu/cll.

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