By Johannah Malogadihlare
As part of the Basic Education Department drive to improve learning conditions through public-private partnerships, two primary schools in Cape Town have received much-needed furniture.
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube was in the metro on Monday with McDonald’s South Africa and MiDesk Global. They handed over desks and chairs to Nal’uxolo Primary School in Philippi and Saint Paul’s Primary School in the Bo Kaap.
MiDesk Global founder Farana Boodhram said the partners were committed to improving the learning conditions of young pupils and addressing the lack of proper school furniture.
“We firmly believe that every child deserves access to quality education and a nurturing learning environment. Our collaboration with McDonald’s goes beyond providing furniture to children in need; it represents our shared commitment to fostering hope, creativity and a passion for learning among students. These mobile desks will empower them to learn without limits,” Boodhram said in a statement.
Learners received functional desks that are fitted with USB charging ports to help them achieve their education goals.
MiDesk decided to step and help after hearing that children from the two schools were working on their laps.
The initiative was championed by the department’s Rural Education Directorate with an aim to encourage equal quality education in disadvantaged schools.
While handing over the desks, McDonald’s SA chief marketing officer Daniel Padiachy emphasised the company’s commitment to education and community support.
“Today’s initiative is not just about desks, it is about hope. It is about sending a clear message to these young minds that they are valued, that their education matters and that we believe in their potential to shape the future of our nation,” he said.
Padiachy said that their investment in children would shape the future of South Africa.
MiDesk said it was important to find solutions to help bridge the gap for pupils who lacked basic resources so that they could succeed in their studies, while McDonald’s said the donation was part of a broader commitment to identify and support schools across the country that were dire need of basic infrastructure.
“The support of private sector partners, such as McDonald’s, to the education system is crucial. Government efforts alone are not enough to meet the educational needs of our growing population” said Gwarube.
She also said that such initiatives aligned with McDonald’s South Africa’s “Together Mzansi” philosophy, emphasising its commitment to give back to the communities that have supported it over the years.
INSIDE EDUCATION
