PORT ELIZABETH – The beloved global icon, Nelson Mandela, once said ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’
With this in mind, and in celebrating Mandela Day this week, General Motors South Africa (GMSA) ploughed its efforts into education initiatives at the Adolph Schauder Primary School in Schauderville.
As the beneficiary of the company’s 2016 Adopt-a-School programme, Adolph Schauder Primary School was abuzz with 67 Minutes for Mandela activities. GMSA executives, employees and retirees rolled up their sleeves to unveil new facilities whilst also serving a nourishing cup of soup and teaching Grade R’s arts and crafts.
The school now boasts a brand new library fully stocked with books donated by Oxford Books and GMSA employees, a vegetable garden cultivated by GMSA’s retirees and refurbished ablution facilities.
GMSA Corporate Communications and PR Manager, Gishma Johnson, said the company’s corporate social responsibility is aimed at sustainable projects that improve the quality of education. It is therefore no surprise that the company spent Mandela Day at Adolph Schauder Primary School.
“67 Minutes for Mandela gave us an opportunity to involve our employees and their families in the projects and to witness the initiatives already undertaken by the company in the school. This year so far more than 100 employees and their families generously volunteered their time at the school,” said Johnson.
Adolph Schauder Primary School Principal, Mr Thomas Matthews, said the school community was extremely grateful for having been adopted by GMSA this year. “The renovations and improvements instill a sense of value and pride into our learners and teachers. GMSA’s generous efforts will have a huge positive impact on many learners who will pass through the school in years to come,” said Matthews.
In addition to initiatives at the school GMSA also donated 67 blankets to Missionvale Care Centre and 120 soccer balls to the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s United in Sport Mandela Day project.