KPMG and KPMG Consulting launch outreach programme to Eastern Cape community

KPMG and KPMG Consulting have launched the first leg of their outreach programme aimed at previously disadvantaged schools in the Eastern Cape community. The programme is designed to address some of the pressing social issues faced by the community and to foster closer relationships between the business and educational sectors.

During the initial investigation for the development of the outreach programme, KPMG and KPMG Consulting became aware of many schools within the previously disadvantaged areas of East London that struggle to meet day-to-day costs of running their institutions. The primary cause of the financial drain is the large pupil numbers and their inability to pay the minimum required school fees. As a result, KPMG and KPMG Consulting have identified three schools that will benefit from this project this year, namely Alphendale High School, Greenpoint High School and John Bisseker High School. The organisations will be providing financial support to the school`s top three Grade 10, 11 and 12 at each of these schools, as well as a floating trophy for the best academically deserving Grade 12 student at all three of the identified schools.

"KPMG and KPMG Consulting have committed to pay the school fees for the top three academic students at each school for their next year of study. We believe that the support we are offering is the starting point for establishing a beneficial partnership with the educational sector," says Noel van Wyk, management consultant at KPMG Consulting. "Our intention is to fully engage the schools to help them identify and develop worthwhile future education programmes and initiatives."

For too long business has operated oblivious to the needs of the community they serve. "No longer can revenue generating organisations afford to outsource their conscience, therefore KPMG and KPMG Consulting are hoping to engage other businesses to support the programme and help address the social issues of skills development, poverty and unemployment," adds Van Wyk.

The KPMG and KPMG Consulting outreach programme in East London, aimed at previously disadvantaged schools, is set to become an annual project and has the potential to develop into a successful partnership between business and education and will effectively support and develop the skills base within the community.