As a leading employer and innovator in the ICT sector, Business Connexion has responded to appeals to partner with government in closing the literacy gap. To this end, it has committed to supplying books to impoverished schools across South Africa.
Business Connexion recently began the initiative by donating a selection of books to Inkwenkwezi High School in Mfuleni in the Western Cape, at an event hosted by the school. The event was attended by the MEC for education in the Western Cape, Cameron Dugmore.
To drive this initiative, Business Connexion has partnered with Keida Children's Bookshop, a black female owned children's bookshop specialising in books in all South African languages, as well as other languages used across the African continent. The partnership with Keida Children's Bookshop marks the company's undertaking to support local female and black empowered micro-businesses.
Business Connexion's selection of books for the donation is in line with research conducted by Keida Children's Bookshop, which has shown that significant gaps exist in the availability of books about mathematics and science, as well as books that cover general knowledge topics. As such, the list attempts to fill these gaps, with titles on mathematics, science, geography and languages, as well as a selection of local and international fiction.
According to Pamela Samuel, group executive: marketing and communication at Business Connexion, the success of the project will rely on relationships with local government.
"Business Connexion is passionate about education and the future development of our country and we believe that the only way to make an impact is through sustainable partnerships with government and in support of government."
Pastor Vela Mabena, the chairperson of the school's governing body, said the donation would go a long way in ensuring a bright future for the school. "We thank Business Connexion for this donation and hope to join hands with other corporates in helping this community move forward," he said.
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