A shout for education

Good leadership earned Carter Primary School in Alexandra a mobile library donation that was made possible by Shout SA Foundation and their sponsors.

The wings of education for the pupils at this school will definitely change.

School principal, Selaelo Makgato said this was one donation that was definitely going to contribute in a big and positive way for their pupils. “One of the good things is that the reading skills of our pupils will improve and this is something that has always been a challenge. Most pupils are struggling in this area and it could have to do with not being exposed to facilities such as libraries.”

Speaking at the event, co-founder of the foundation, musician Danny K, explained that with the help of their partners, Network BBDO, they saw the need to contribute more to education in the country, adding that by planting a seed of education they could effect real change.

“By educating a child means a child can have a different direction in their lives,” he said.

“They can be open to the possibility of getting a job, be able to provide for their families and crime doesn’t become an option.”

Echoing these sentiments was fellow co-founder of the foundation, Kabelo Mabalane. He highlighted that schools were chosen carefully, including looking at the type of leadership at those schools. “We check if the school deserves the donation, as we have to look carefully where the money is spent.”

Mabalane encouraged the pupils to be active citizens in their communities. “Learn how to be of service to mankind, learn how to serve each other and never forget your communities.”

He added that through their foundation and sponsors, they were planning to build more libraries in the country as there was a dire need. “Only two percent of public schools in the country have functioning libraries.”

Mario Martins, managing director of one of the sponsors, CSX, said their company became involved in the project as they were inspired by education and wanted to give back to communities to benefit young people as they were the future of the country.

Talking on behalf of the Department of Education, Thulane Mncube said it was good to see such partnerships that focused on finding solutions to challenges in the education sector. He thanked the sponsors and applauded the school management for great leadership.

He added that he believed the school was going to perform better and would be one of the top schools.

Shout Foundation was founded in 2007 by musicians Danny K and Kabelo Mabalane, following the murder of reggae musician, Lucky Dube, as a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) and BEE certified charity. Shout has been working hard on campaigns ranging from rehabilitating the police force and their families, to helping find missing children and donating to a variety of crime-fighting initiatives.

At the moment they are concentrating on education as they believe it can make a difference in the fight against crime and violence.