Kaya FM, ABI and Thebe Foundation makes back-to-school a memorable experience

The new year brings many challenges en new experiences. So too, going back to school in the new year is a memorable experience for many learners. Despite the pouring rain on the 14th of January 2015, Kaya FM, Thebe Foundation and Amalgamated Beverage Industries (ABI), welcomed almost 2000 learners from Mvelaphanda Primary School and Reagile Primary back to school by giving them tools to ensure a successful start to the year, which included stationery and a durable school bag to weather the elements.

The reality of the beginning of the school year is usually a daunting time for many parents who are financially challenged, and for these reasons Kaya FM, Thebe Foundation and ABI have pledged partnerships with these schools to empower young learners to have a successful start to the year. Kaya FM had adopted Mvelaphanda Primary school in Tembisa four years ago, supporting learners on their 1st day of school with stationery, uniform and a school bag. The initiative is now in its 4th year and has grown to involve Reagile Primary as well.

Thebe Foundation raised some money through the KayaFM Relay in 2014 and when approached to partner with Kaya on this initiative, they were only too happy to participate in such a great initiative. Thebe Foundation believes in sustainability and therefore setting up a proper foundation for learners at their foundation phase will ensure a better outcome in the future. Pick ‘n Pay provided the learners with food packs, ABI launched a successful schools’ recycling programme, where a total of 240 primary schools participate, to drive the recycling message and to spark environmental conversations.

“It was wonderful to see the leaners of Mvelaphanda Primary school take a pledge to work hard,” says Thabisile Khumalo from Kaya FM. Mokgethi Tshabalala of Thebe Foundation echoes these sentiments and adds: “There’s an African proverb that states; ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ As we continue to contribute in the building of communities one can never underestimate the power of knowing that someone, somewhere, cares. The project has the power to let the young learners know that throughout their journey, no matter how little they have, they will be supported if they work hard. We feel privileged to be part of this and look forward to working with Kaya FM to expand this project even further.”

“People don’t care about how much you know, until they know how much you care. This initiative shows that we care,” Mokgethi concludes.