In a heartfelt endeavor to uplift and empower the youth of Mpumalanga, The Republic of Mozambique Pipeline Investments Company (ROMPCO), joined hands with Sasol to sponsor the #KeepAGirlChildInSchool project in Badplaas.
The need for initiatives that uplift and empower vulnerable citizens, especially in deep rural areas like Badplaas, cannot be overstated. The gesture of providing hygiene packs to students facing poverty and challenging circumstances holds the promise of a brighter future, where education becomes more accessible and dreams more attainable.
The initiative, held on the 25th and 26th of July, saw the distribution of essential hygiene packs to ten schools in the region. ROMPCO’s commitment to giving back to the less fortunate and equipping African children with resources to achieve their dreams has always been at the core of their values. With the objective of inclusivity, the project embraced both girl and boy learners, ensuring no child was left behind in the pursuit of education.
Bonani Mahlangu, Badplaas’ Circuit Manager said the circuit consists of 32 schools, “It is true that most of our learners are coming from disadvantaged families. This type of project will definitely contribute positively to the improvement of learner attendance in schools, especially for the girl learner. We, therefore, encourage all our learners to be at school every day and ready to learn.”
Councilor Gugu Zulu, the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, conveyed the municipality’s appreciation for ROMPCO and Sasol’s support: “This program ROMPCO is running in our schools gives hope and boosts the confidence of the learners, you could tell by the smiles on their faces when receiving the hygiene packs. We thank ROMPCO for partnering with us and for always being willing to give back to our destitute communities.”
The impact of such initiatives reaches far beyond the tangible products distributed. These dignity packs not only address practical needs but also instill a sense of dignity, pride, and confidence in the young minds receiving them.
ROMPCO’s CFO, Fathima Ebrahim, highlighted the organization’s broader mission: “By supporting this noble cause, we aim to create a ripple effect that extends far beyond the walls of these classrooms. These dignity packs not only contain essential hygiene items but also carry with them the promise of a brighter future, free from the burdens that hinder the pursuit of education.”
The sentiment was echoed by Willie van Vuuren, ROMPCO’s General Manager for Corporate Services, who emphasized the need to address the needs of vulnerable youth: “In the vast landscape of progress, we cannot overlook the needs of the most vulnerable among us. Our commitment to South Africa’s future extends beyond infrastructural projects; it is rooted in nurturing the holistic growth of our youth.”
Van Vuuren continued, “By providing these essential hygiene packs, we not only alleviate practical hardships but also foster a sense of dignity, pride, and confidence in these young minds. As ROMPCO, we firmly believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, dream, and flourish without the burden of societal inequalities. By addressing this pressing need, we hope to empower the next generation to reach their full potential and contribute positively to their communities.”
The #KeepAGirlChildInSchool project sponsored by ROMPCO and facilitated by Sasol in Badplaas, Mpumalanga, exemplifies the power of corporate responsibility in transforming lives and nurturing the potential of young learners. By providing hygiene packs and uplifting spirits, the initiative is sowing seeds of hope and resilience, promising a brighter and more equitable future for the children of the region.
Through ROMPCO’s unwavering commitment to giving back, it continues to make a profound difference in the lives of the less fortunate, one act of kindness at a time.