ISUZU Motors South Africa made bold commitments to local community school St Albans Primary with the handover of a R1.2 million cheque for critical refurbishing of dilapidated classrooms and facilities as part of ISUZU's long-term commitment to adopt the school and make a positive impact.
ISUZU Foundation, The Herald, and Gift of the Givers teamed up with ISUZU Motors South Africa to work on the school's vegetable garden, painting of a mural, participate in fun activities with the learners, and distribute food parcels to learners and their families.
ISUZU Motors South Africa, Executive of Corporate and Public Affairs, Mr. Lebogang Makoloi says "Youth empowerment and education is at the heart of ISUZU's corporate social responsibility strategy and is aligned to Tata Madiba's passion and belief that education is the powerful weapon we can use to change the world. Creating an environment that is safe and conducive to learning is critical. We strive to make a positive impact in the lives of these children while encouraging them to take bold action in building the future of their dreams,"
Handing over the cheque, ISUZU Motors South Africa, Senior Vice President Human Capital and Corporate Affairs, Mr. Mongezi Hermans calls on the private sector and other stakeholders to be intentional about making a positive impact within the communities in which we operate. He says "I would like to take this opportunity to encourage other businesses and stakeholders to identify schools such as St Albans and to commit to make a positive impact – this is an investment into building a bright future, not only for the learners you impact, but for the generations to follow,"
St Albans Primary School has 10 staff members who educate 420 learners from surrounding impoverished areas. The school is confronted with several challenges which include lack of electricity supply, fencing, security, lack of sports facilities and severe damages to its property.
"ISUZU Foundation is committed to boldly doing more to empower youth and uplift disadvantaged communities within which ISUZU and its Dealers operate. We are proud to be part of the St Albans Primary School project and hope to make a difference in the lives of the St Albans learners, educators, and their families", says ISUZU Department Executive Dealer and Business Development South African Customs Union Markets (SACU), Marcia Mayaba.
ISUZU's relationship with St Albans Primary started in 2022 when the company, in partnership with Gift of the Givers, handed over a borehole to mitigate the impact of drought and disaster water shortages at the school and the surrounding community.
"As the Gift of the Givers, we are proud to partner with ISUZU on our mission to ensure every child has access to proper education regardless of their socio-economic status. We value our long-standing relationship that has seen us work on various social-upliftment and disaster relief projects. We are confident the intervention to refurbish St Albans Primary School will go a long way in creating a conducive learning and working environment for all", says Gift of the Givers founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman.
As part of Mandela Month, ISUZU will also be handing over 300 pairs of school shoes to Emmangweni Primary School situated in Tembisa township in Johannesburg on Friday, 21 July.
