Bank sponsors desk bags to impoverished learners
First National Bank (FNB) together with the Mayor of Greater Letaba Municipality, Godfrey"City" Modjadji officially handed over 1000 desk bags to poor learners from six primary schools in Bolobedu on Friday.
The handing over ceremony was held at Khumelong Primary School in Seaphole village. The primary schools which benefitted from the donation are Khumelong, Mohokoni, Khutsong, Northmton, Ratseke and Mamokgadi.
According to the Co-founder and Managing Director of a Johannesburg based Non Profit Company (NPC),Deskbags, Shannon Roscher, the donated bags are not ordinary in the sense that they double as desk because when folded open, the bag flap is reinforced with ABS plastic, ensuring a hard and stable surface for children to do their homework.
She said Deskbag with sponsorship from FNB produces the bags which they donate to various poor learners from all over South Africa. She added that the initiative has already benefited many poor learners from provinces such as Gauteng and Western Cape.
“The investments of responsible corporate citizens such as FNB are key to the sustainability of the programme. This initiative is very close to our hearts because these special bags are made by women from underprivileged backgrounds, and provides them with a means to earn a living. Because of this, each bag is constructed with infinite care and is so strong and durable that if well looked after well, it can last a child many productive years,” she Roscher.
In his keynote address, the Mayor Modjadji said education is key in the advancement of our societies and they are encouraged by the private sector’s commitment to address the challenges that are hampering their children’s educational advancement.
“A big focus for us over the past sixteen years has been on adopting initiatives that will make South Africa a better place for all. With education being a core area in achieving this mandate, partnering with DeskBags was a no brainer for us,” said Peter Mafuna, FNB Limpopo Regional Head.
Mafuna said from foundation phase to tertiary education, FNB’s comprehensive investment in education enables the youth of this country to realise their potential and to be equipped to be able to contribute towards economic development.
School principal, Solomon Kubayi said the desk bags will greatly help the learners who because of their poor background cannot afford to buy proper school bags and they use plastic bags to carry their books.
The donation came after the Community Development Committee led by Motlatsi Lebea approached Deskbags for assistance.
According to a parliamentary response by the ministry of Basic Education, millions of South African children do not have school desks and are forced to learn while seated or kneeling on dusty floors, using the ground as a writing surface.
The ceremony was attended by members of the influential Modjadji Royal Family, six traditional leaders from the neighbouring villages, government officials as well as the DeskBags ambassador and reigning Mr South Africa 2015/16, Armand du Plessis.
