Gqeberha, South Africa, 29 February 2024 – As part of its back-to-school drive, the Coega Development Corporation (Coega) is pleased to announce that today, it donated school items to the Coega Primary School in Wells Estate, Ward 60. The donation, which includes new uniforms, school shoes, exercise books, stationery, and backpacks, was made possible through the generosity of Coega employees, clients, and media stakeholders. This activity speaks directly to Coega as a responsible corporate citizen, in compliance with the King IV, Principle 3, and in pursuit of its vision – as a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.
This annual Coega Back-to-School Drive is one of the organisation’s key community initiatives. It supports children from the local community, by providing them with much needed essential school supplies and resources.
Speaking during the handover, Ms. Mokgaetši Sebothoma, Executive Manager: Corporate Services said: “As a public entity, our activities are guided by the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), corporate outcomes and impact statements, and national development policy. Moreover, the Coega Back-to-School Drive exemplifies our commitment to the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda; and showcases the remarkable impact that collective action can have on our communities.”
“We are focused and committed to making a positive impact in the lives of young learners and supporting their educational journey. The Coega Back-to-School-Drive and other similar initiatives coordinated throughout the year are testament to our belief that partnerships are crucial to achieve long-lasting positive gains in our communities,” remarked Sebothoma.
Coega Primary School Principal, Mr. Vuyisile Mbombela, expressed his gratitude for the generous donation: “This is a life changing moment for these young people. This is an investment in education, and this tells me that Coega is concerned about the future of this country. As they receive their school items today, it is not simply about the gifts themselves, but rather the fact that we are boosting the learners’ overall self-esteem.”
This year’s programme is in line with the United Nations SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, which seek to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, promote lifelong learning opportunities, bridge the gap of inequality, and improve equitable access to educational resources.
Endinako Zongo (12), a Grade 6 learner at Coega Primary School, expressed his excitement after receiving his stationery pack: “I feel so happy that I got to see the people who help us and that I had the opportunity to tell them how I feel about this project. Projects like this give us an emotional boost.”
This initiative, along with others that we coordinate throughout the year, reaffirm Coega’s commitment to achieving long-lasting positive gains in our communities. Other education-related CSI programmes by Coega, include the following:
- The Coega Maths and Science Programme (MSP), which is a catalytic initiative that aims to improve the high school pass rate for Mathematics and Physical Science. The Programme offers a no-cost development opportunity for matriculants to enhance their Maths and Science results for university admission. Since its inception in 2013, the Coega MSP has empowered thousands of learners to excel in STEM fields, achieving a consecutive 100% pass rate for the past two years. CLICK HERE to read the latest article.
- In its role as a Trusted Implementing Agent of Choice, Coega has proudly supported the Eastern Cape Department of Education with the launch of two schools in the Eastern Cape since January 2024, including Nkululeko Senior Secondary School (SSS) in Kariega and the Zibi Meyer Junior Secondary School (JSS) in Mount Fletcher, and is gearing up for two more in March 2024. CLICK HERE to watch the video of the Nkululeko SSS opening.