Ezulwini – A total of 356 pupils from 12 schools across the country have received new school shoes through a partnership between FNB Eswatini and Buy ‘n Save SPAR.
The two organisations contributed equally towards the purchase of the school shoes, valued at E52 950, for underprivileged children.
The donation was handed over to the Ministry of Education and Training during a sponsorship ceremony held at the FNB Eswatini Head Office in Ezulwini on July 16. Distribution of the shoes to the selected schools began last week and has since been completed.
FNB Eswatini Chief Marketing Officer Sibusile Dlamini said the initiative formed part of the bank’s commitment to supporting communities and responding to challenges faced by vulnerable children.
“As a business, we are unequivocal in our commitment to Eswatini, ‘Sitintile Eswatini futsi asiyindzawo.’ Therefore, as we operate in communities across the country, we want to remain mindful of the challenges our people face and, as much as possible, contribute towards sustainable solutions,” she said.
Dlamini said visiting the schools and interacting with the pupils and teachers had been encouraging.
“It has been heartwarming to go around the schools, meet the little stars of tomorrow and engage the teachers who play such a big role in developing our country,” she said.
Buy ‘n Save SPAR Risk and Compliance Officer Zeph Mziyako said the retailer was pleased that the shoes had reached the children while the winter season was still continuing.
“We are delighted that the donation we made has been delivered to the children at a time when the winter season still persists,” he said.
Mziyako said businesses had a responsibility to contribute to the communities in which they operated.
“Retailing is about fostering relationships with communities and in any relationship, each party must play a role in ensuring that such a relationship thrives and endures. We are grateful to FNB for creating this opportunity for us to play our part in bringing warmth and changing lives,” he said.
Lobamba National Primary School Headteacher Andrew Dlamini said the donation had come at an important time, particularly for pupils whose families could not afford basic school necessities.
“We would like to sincerely thank FNB Eswatini for considering us. Many of our children here are poor and lack basic necessities such as school shoes,” he said.
Dlamini said the school’s location near town did not mean that its pupils did not face financial difficulties.
“It is easy to think because we are close to town that we do not have those needs, but we do. We really appreciate this support from FNB and Buy ‘n Save SPAR. It will go a long way,” he said.
Lomadvokola Primary School Headteacher Sincobile Thwala said some pupils had been attending school in worn-out or poorly fitting shoes, which affected their comfort and confidence.
“This support came at a time when many of our learners were struggling to attend school comfortably and with dignity. Worn-out or ill-fitting shoes were affecting their confidence and participation in school activities,” she said.
Thwala said the new shoes would protect the pupils and allow them to focus on their education.
“This donation goes beyond shoes. It is a donation of hope, care and the belief that every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn,” she said.
The other beneficiary schools were Dlangeni Primary School, Ludzeludze Primary School, Phocweni Primary School, Ekuphileni Primary School, School for the Deaf Primary School, Maphiveni Primary School, Mcuba Primary School, St Aidans Primary School, Mavalela Primary School and Ngololweni Primary School.
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