Mbabane- Retail clothing giant Ackermans through its Ububele programme has donated children’s clothing and school uniforms worth E170,000 to assist vulnerable children across Eswatini, particularly those from child-headed households and families cared for by elderly guardians.
The donation was officially handed over to Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Thulisile Dladla on Monday and will be distributed through the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office to children most in need across the country.
Ackermans representative Musa Fakudze said the donation forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment to giving back to communities and supporting families who struggle to provide basic necessities such as clothing for their children.
Fakudze noted that the company has consistently partnered with stakeholders to improve the lives of vulnerable children. He highlighted that Ackermans had previously donated clothing to children at the Halfway House and vulnerable families nationwide. In addition, the company recently provided food worth E12,000 to a Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP) to help ensure children receive at least one nutritious meal a day.
“We believe in making a meaningful difference in the communities we serve. Through this donation, we hope to ease the burden on families who are unable to afford clothing for their children,” said Fakudze.
Receiving the donation, Deputy Prime Minister Dladla expressed gratitude to Ackermans for its continued support of vulnerable members of society.
She recounted a recent visit to Matsanjeni South, where she encountered an elderly grandmother caring for nine grandchildren in a dilapidated structure without adequate food or clothing.
“These are the types of households we target when distributing donations. There are many children living under difficult circumstances who require support from all sectors of society,” she said.
Dladla further invited Ackermans representatives to visit some of the vulnerable households assisted by her office to gain first-hand insight into the challenges faced by many families.
“Some of these children come from vulnerable households and during this winter they do not even have proper school uniforms, shoes or jerseys. We do not take this donation for granted. Our wish is to ensure that every liSwati child has sufficient clothing and remains warm to avoid preventable diseases,” she said.
The Deputy Prime Minister said partnerships between government and the private sector remain crucial in improving the welfare of vulnerable children and ensuring that no child is left behind.
Discussion about this post