Africanbank is delighted to share the success of its heartwarming Winter School Uniform Drive. This initiative, aimed at supporting young learners in our community, has made a significant impact. Recognising that education is vital for personal and community development, Africanbank has ensured that learners could continue learning with dignity and confidence throughout winter.

“We wanted to ensure that no child was left out, regardless of their circumstances,” said Edna Sathekga-Montse, Group Chief Transformation & Sustainability Officer at Africanbank. “Education is close to our hearts, and we’re passionate about providing a supportive and empowering environment for learners.”

Over the past few days, Africanbank distributed full sets of winter and summer uniforms, school shoes, stationery, and multifunctional backpacks to learners at three Gauteng schools:

• Mlokotwa-Dube Primary School, Winterveldt, Pretoria – 11 June 2024
• Batsogile Primary School, Klipspruit, Soweto – 12 June 2024
• Rooipoort Primary Farm School, Carletonville, JHB – 13 June 2024

For the youngest learners in Grade R to Grade 3, the bank provided full winter and summer uniforms, stationery, and school shoes. Older learners in Grades 4 to 7 received multifunctional backpacks, stationery, notebooks, T-shirts and caps.

The Winter School Uniform Drive has not only provided essential items to students but also brought a renewed sense of hope and motivation within the community. Parents, teachers, and learners alike expressed their gratitude for the initiative.

At Batsogile Primary School, one parent shared, “This support means the world to us. Seeing our children in new uniforms, equipped and ready to learn, is truly heartwarming.” Principal Kesentseng Tshukudu added that “This initiative has made a tremendous difference for our learners; we are so grateful to Africanbank for their kindness and generosity.”

At Mlokotwa-Dube Primary School, Deputy Principal Pamela Mxhalisa observed, “When you look at the learners you see happy faces and it tells you that they too really appreciate the support. We feel very humbled as a school; we didn’t expect this kind of support that Africanbank has given us; even the parents are very happy about what Africanbank has done.”

Providing school uniforms and supplies goes beyond just meeting physical needs. It helps to level the playing field for all learners, ensuring that they can attend school without feeling different or disadvantaged. This sense of equality leads to a more inclusive and positive learning environment, where every child can thrive.

Dikeledi Malunga, Principal of Rooipoort Primary Farm School, added, “The generosity of Africanbank has lifted a great burden from many of our families. Our learners will now feel a sense of pride and belonging, which is crucial for their academic and personal growth.”

Africanbank’s dedication to education goes beyond this winter drive. The bank is already planning future initiatives to continue empowering learners and their communities. “We believe in the power of education to transform lives,” said Sathekga-Montse. “This is just the first step. We’re determined to create more avenues for young minds to flourish and make a lasting impact in their communities.”