Vodacom, Nelson Mandela and Imbumba Foundations team up in support of needy communities
Vodacom Foundation also opened an SMS donation line in order to help with raising funds for the cause. It raised R48 000 for this good cause.
It is estimated that some girls from marginalised backgrounds miss up to 50 school days per annum because of the menstrual cycle and lack of access to sanitary napkins. In a bid to respond to this challenge, Vodacom together with the Nelson Mandela and Imbumba Foundations handed over sanitary napkins worth R48 000 and a computer trolley solution to learners at Masibambane College, Orange Farm in Soweto.
The handover was made possible by Vodacom employees who initiated a drive to collect sanitary napkins for underprivileged girls in order for them not to miss out on school.
As part of the sanitary drive, members of the public dropped off sanitary napkins at Vodacom offices and the Nelson Mandela Foundation last year.
Vodacom Foundation also opened an SMS donation line in order to help with raising funds for the cause. The SMS donation line was opened to all customers and customers were able to donate R48Â 000 to this good cause.
To address cost challenges associated with access to education and to help provide Internet connectivity to schools, Vodacom has added a fully equipped computer trolley solution for learners.
Through this handover, Vodacom has provided the College with 20 tablets including free Internet access to educational sites. This also includes an e-learning solution that offers free Internet access to education content for learners.
This intervention is an illustration of Vodacom’s core belief that Information and communications technology (ICT) and mobile technology can be utilised to help improve and advance learning and address skills development in communities such as Orange Farm.
The Executive Head of Vodacom Foundation, Mthobeli Tengimfene said: “Our technology offers the perfect platform for SMS fundraising.”
Tengimfene said as a leader: “I am drawn to the initiative, as it supports the dignity of young girls as they strive to gain an education.
“The purpose of our work through the Vodacom Foundation is to Connect for Good, and we do this through our programmes in education, health, and security. We use technology to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the people of our country, and in the process, help improve the quality of life of ordinary people.
“However, we also know that volunteering by our employees plays a significant role in making a difference in community upliftment. We often hear many people say they want to give back to society, but don’t know where to start.
“Vodacom recognised this gap and facilitated this process by creating programmes, which provide opportunities for volunteers to partner with non-profit organisations (NPOs),” said Tengimfene.
Tengimfene said that Vodacom believes that access to education through digital tools is one of the key ways through which educational outcomes can be improved.
“Vodacom realises the importance of technology, especially mobile broadband and Digital Education Services, in transforming the delivery of education, addressing current challenges and creating a platform for South Africa to leapfrog its education evolution process.
“At Vodacom, our aim is to use technology to help make a difference in the communities where customers live. Through this initiative, Vodacom seeks to enable learners with ICT tools and free Internet connectivity,” says Tengimfene.
