Adopt-a-School Foundation Celebrates Mandela Day with Back to School Initiative

On July 18, the Adopt-a-School Foundation will commemorate the 15th International Nelson Mandela Day with its annual Back to School for Mandela Day Campaign. This initiative, now in its 12th year, focuses on promoting active citizenship and volunteerism, while acknowledging organizations dedicated to important societal causes.

The Adopt-a-School Foundation, a partner organization of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, implements a comprehensive Whole School Development model. This approach targets school leadership, curriculum enhancement, infrastructure development, and student welfare, serving as the bedrock of the foundation’s efforts to uplift schools in need.

Since 2012, the Back to School for Mandela Day initiative has brought together corporate partners to spend their 67 minutes supporting volunteer activities in schools. Through this program, the foundation and its partners have positively impacted eleven schools, benefiting thousands of students.

Steven Lebere, CEO of the Adopt-a-School Foundation, highlights the significance of corporate support in promoting the spirit of Ubuntu through volunteering efforts at schools. This collective action embodies the essence of Mandela Day.

For the 2024 Back to School for Mandela Day event, activities will take place at a school in Soweto. The theme for this year’s initiative is to create an optimal teaching and learning environment through various projects under the foundation’s Whole School Development model. Students at the Soweto school, totaling 1,200, will benefit from multiple initiatives.

The planned projects include expanding the school’s vegetable garden, renovation and equipping of the computer laboratory and library, refurbishing the combination court and Grade R play area, installing an inventor for improved tech facilities, and providing a JoJo tank to mitigate water shortages.

Students at the school will experience virtual reality sessions, receive eye exams with donated spectacles, enjoy snacks and educational talks, and participate in various learning activities facilitated by partnering organizations. Corporate sponsors such as AngloGold Ashanti, Shoprite Foundation, Howard Pims Sports Club, and others have played a crucial role in making this initiative a reality.

The Adopt-a-School Foundation expresses gratitude to the supporting sponsors and participating organizations for their commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students in need. Through collective efforts, the Back to School for Mandela Day campaign aims to transform the school environment and provide a meaningful learning experience for all students involved.