Johannesburg, 01 Nov 2017
As part of its commitment to putting people first, Microsoft Gold Partner has partnered with non-profit company (NPC) Ekukhanyeni to further its focus on community upliftment in the poverty-stricken informal settlements surrounding Johannesburg, South Africa.
This partnership was announced at the annual Microsoft Partner Golf Day, which took place at the Bryanston Country Club on 20 October 2017, and hosted 120 attendees from the Microsoft Partner Network. Through this initiative, Ekukhanyeni gained exposure to the Microsoft Partner Network to further broaden its reach.
Under its community outreach arm, DotUnity, Mint will help Ekukhanyeni fund early childhood development (ECD) centres in Lawley, south of Johannesburg, and support food security establishment initiatives. In addition, Mint staff will also be taking part in hands-on mornings, providing attention, love and mentorship to the kids at the ECD centres.
Ekukhanyeni founder Liza Rossi explains that while corporate involvement initiatives help organisations to meet their CSI targets, the value it provides to staff from a personal growth and team building perspective is intangible as it enables employees to make a difference, feel proud and be part of a growing initiative that changes lives, shapes perceptions and enables change. Therefore, Ekukhanyeni is perfectly aligned to Mint's vision of 'People First'.
Reflecting her excitement for the new initiative the organisation has undertaken, Mint HR Executive Lauren Clark notes that Mint has been looking at how we can foster future entrants into our organisation through education initiatives and technology and found a perfect partner in Ekukhanyeni. "Not only does the programme speak to education and children, but it also fits into our long-term plan to "Grow a Mintie" from cr`eche age all the way through to our Internship Programme with a hands on approach and partnership with an established programme in place already."
Clark adds that Mint's DotUnity programme will be donating time through the company's quarterly hands-on mornings where staff will engage with the children, as well as fundraising events to assist the Ekukhanyeni cr`eches with individual requirements for child care and education.
"The impact that Mint makes through these hands-on initiatives does not only benefit the children at the cr`eches but also our own employees who get to give back to the community and are always eager and excited for the hands-on community days. Minties love getting out of the office to spend the morning with the kids. Being part of a company with a higher purpose resonates significantly with each of them, and it is a life-changing experience knowing your time and love is making a difference to these kids," Clark explains, adding that Mint will also be playing a crucial role in the long-term goals and initiatives Ekukhanyeni has to partner with more cr`eches and assist the current ones in growing further.
Lastly, Mint Chief Financial Officer, Yvonne Dias, adds that Mint has partnered with Ekukhanyeni as part of its BEE strategy to ensure that future generations benefit from the organisation's initiatives. "Not only does this partnership meet Mint's higher purpose goals of enhancing children's education, but it also ensures that the beneficiaries for this initiative are the children themselves. Ekukhanyeni provides Mint with the opportunity to realize our higher purpose as a company in South Africa."
Share