18 July 2024
The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation will join its partner entity Adopt-a-School for its 12th Back to School for Mandela Day Campaign as part of the 15th International Nelson Mandela Day on July 18.
The annual initiative is just one of a myriad of ways that the Foundation expresses its support of Nelson Mandela’s commitment to education.
“The Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation is dedicated to advancing education through its comprehensive programmes and collaborations with various partner entities,” says Foundation CEO, Mmabatho Maboya. “Our efforts through our partner entities echo Madiba’s words that education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Since 2012, the Back to School for Mandela Day initiative has mobilised corporate partners to go back to school and spend their 67 minutes supporting volunteer activities in schools. Through this initiative, the Foundation and its corporate partners have over the years benefitted eleven schools and thousands of learners.
The theme for this year’s initiative, taking place at Mvelendzandivho Primary School in Soweto, is ‘’creating a conducive teaching and learning environment’’, which is the commitment of Adopt-a-School’s holistic Whole School Development model.
At the end of this year’s initiative, the school and its 1200 learners will have benefitted from the expansion of a vegetable garden; renovations and furnishing of the computer laboratory and library; renovations of the combination court and the Grade R play area; a solar system for the computer laboratory and library; and a JoJo tank to get through water shedding.
When Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation was established in 2004, it set its mandate to improve education and grow small Black-owned businesses. Over the years, the Foundation has pioneered and piloted dynamic development models toward this.
Through strategic partnerships with corporate sponsors, government departments and community organisations, the Foundation amplifies its impact, creating a robust network of support that champions educational excellence and equity.
“Education is a key component of our purpose to foster an inclusive and empowered society,” says Maboya.
Speaking at the higher education and training graduate Recognition Awards ceremony of another of the Foundation’s partner entities, the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust, Patron of the Foundation, President Cyril Ramaphosa, said: “Education is the key that unlocks the golden door of freedom.
Through our work we will continue to unlock many more doors for the men and women of our country. Doors to self-betterment, progress, and prosperity for all with a hunger for learning.”
The Foundation’s holistic approach to education will be borne out in Soweto at Back to School for Mandela Day with learners receiving eyesight tests and the donation of spectacles. Poor eyesight may compromise learning outcomes.
Learners will also receive a host of treats and necessities from sponsor partners, including Corndogs, Shoprite Foundation goodies, Krispy Kreme doughnuts and Waltons stationery.,
Educational content will include a financial literacy talk by author Nicollette Mashile; distribution of Coco the Money Bunny books; sanitary pads from Shoprite Foundation along with SHE bins; a Health, Sanitation and Sexuality education talk by Adopt-a-School; and a reading session with Miss South Africa, Natasha Joubert.
“On days like Mandela Day we truly see the spirit of Madiba coming to life as South Africans come together to make the lives our people just that little bit better,” Maboya concludes.
