By Levy Masiteng
Nearly 9 000 learners across South Africa will receive essential stationery packs after R1 million was raised through the Checkers Act For Change Back-to-School project in partnership with non-profit organisation Meals on Wheels.
The organisation announced on Monday that the fundraising initiative will help provide learners with school supplies, especially in low-income schools.
This includes pens, exercise books, calculators and other classroom essentials.
Meals on Wheels said it is working closely with schools and communities nationwide to ensure the stationery reaches learners and schools most in need.
“We see first-hand the challenges families face every day. Through our network, we’re able to help ensure these supplies reach learners in communities that are often overlooked,” said Gershon Naidoo, the national programmes and marketing director of Meals on Wheels.
The campaign was launched at the start of this year’s academic calendar.
According to the organisation, funds were raised through the sale of a limited-edition Act For Change exam pad, sold in Checkers stores and on the Checkers Sixty60 app, with R2 from every purchase going directly towards the stationery fund.
Customers also contributed by donating R5 at till points in stores nationwide.
Several leading stationery brands supported the initiative by contributing a portion of proceeds from selected products.
These included Pritt, Bostik, Henkel, Staedtler, Penflex, Bic, Butterfly, Casio, KV Art, Freedom Stationery, Bidvest, Palm Stationery, CTP Stationery, Sappi and Plastafrica.
Naidoo said access to basic school supplies can significantly improve a learner’s ability to participate confidently in class and focus on their education.
He said the overwhelming support for the campaign demonstrated how small contributions can collectively create meaningful change.
“Ensuring learners have the basic tools they need allows them to focus on learning and engage more fully in the classroom,” chief sustainability officer at the Shoprite Group, Sanjeev Raghubir said.
INSIDE EDUCATION
