As the nation prepares to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy this July, excitement is building at a Soweto school set to be transformed through compassion, collaboration, and the spirit of giving.
In celebration of Mandela Day, the Adopt-a-School Foundation, a partner entity of the Cyril
Ramaphosa Foundation is leading its annual Back to School for a Day campaign, a powerful call to action for active citizenship and volunteerism.
At the centre of this year’s effort is a deeply under-resourced school in Soweto that will receive vital support to improve the learning environment for its learners. The initiative has drawn overwhelming support from companies, partners, influencers, and volunteers, all uniting to turn Mandela’s dream of equitable education into reality.
The day will be graced by Dr Tshepo Motsepe, South Africa’s First Lady and Chairperson of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, who remains a passionate advocate for child and community development.
“We are delighted to help a school in Soweto this Mandela Day,” said Steven Lebere, CEO of the Adopt-a-School Foundation. “The need is great, from library extensions to Grade R renovations, from sick bay refurbishments to outdoor play areas and a new multi-purpose sports court. Thanks to the generosity of long-term partners like AngloGold Ashanti and Shoprite Foundation, we can deliver lasting, tangible change.”
But the work will be more than bricks and paint. Through Shoprite Foundation’s partnership learners will enjoy Robot Day, an oral hygiene session through Shoprite’s partnership with Colgate and receive snacks. There will also be eye testing and spectacles donation through long-term partner, Premier Optical; health and sanitation education, educational games from School-Days, and the creation of a vegetable garden to support the school’s feeding scheme programme.
“This initiative gives our children, who may never have had these opportunities, a real chance to thrive, to dream, and to become the future leaders our country so desperately needs,” said Lebere.
He added that including sponsors and supporters, thirteen companies had pledged their support, committing to improve school infrastructure, donating time and resources, and bringing joy to the learners on the day. Among them are, Tamela Holdings, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, Growthpoint, ROMH, Cell C, Lesedi Power, Edge & Co and Matthew and Nicole. Other sponsors include the Shenzhen International Chamber of Commerce, Krispy Kreme and Vaal Aqua, all contributing to activities that restore dignity, boost morale, and promote holistic child development.
QUOTE: “Renovations and resourcing, two small words that make a world of difference,” said a representative from AngloGold Ashanti, NAME XX. “That is why we stand with the Adopt-a-School Foundation. As Madiba said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,’ and we believe it.”
Enterprise and Supplier Development Executive from Shoprite Foundation, Maud Modise added: “In this digital era, coding and robotics are no longer luxuries, they are necessities. That is why we are proud to introduce Robot Day equipping learners with these critical capabilities through this impactful and purpose-driven partnership.
An anticipated 300 volunteers will gather at the school on Friday, 18 July, ready to roll up their sleeves and change lives.
Ayakha Ntunja, a rising young actress and influencer joining the initiative, shared: “I know just how powerful raising awareness can be. But what I receive in return – the joy, the human connection, and knowing that I have played even a small part in helping a child is beyond words.”
As the school prepares for this extraordinary day, what is being built goes far beyond infrastructure; it is hope rekindled, dignity restored, and opportunity unlocked, the very ideals that Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to.
Adopt-a-School Statistics:
- Since inception, well over a billion rand has been invested.
- Schools Adopted: 696
- Learners reached: 1 722 287
- Educators developed: 35 476
- Facilities constructed: 828
- Jobs created: 16 427
- SMMEs: 2 663
- Learners benefitting from visual support: 111 007
- Spectacles provided: 5 540
- Learners benefitting from Health and Sanitation projects: 24 289
- Learners participating in awareness campaigns: 12 200
About Adopt-a-School Foundation:
Adopt-a-School Foundation (AAS) is an entity of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation (CRF) and was officially established in 2002. The Foundation is a registered Section 21 company with PBO status and has an Independent Board of Directors. The 2020 Top Empowerment Award Winner, Adopt-a-School Foundation, works with various stakeholders, including the District, Provincial and National Departments of Basic Education, corporate donors, multiple service providers and best practice NGOs. The Foundation implements Whole School Development, a holistic model to improve schools’ academic, infrastructural, social, and security environments. There are currently 665 schools under the Adopt-a-School Foundation’s adoption programme. The Foundation works in all nine South Africa, Lesotho, and Mozambique provinces.
Visit the Foundation’s website at www.adoptaschool.org.za.
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