CHOOSING A BAG

On 11 October 2022, Southern Africabased retailer PNA proudly delivered two new Early Childhood Development schools in underfunded communities and this time in Eastern Cape. Both Ntlakwe Pre-Primary and Tandabantu Pre-Primary, located in Bizana, Eastern Cape Province, have been suffering from a chronic lack of resources and makeshift buildings with no electricity or running water. These upliftment projects were financed through the successful culmination of a fundraising campaign launched on Mandela Day 2022, which saw PNA`s Rock Your Funky Socks drive sell over 75 000 `Funky Socks` stickers. The proceeds from the promotion were topped up to a final amount of R1,2 million by PNA and were allocated for the financing and construction of the schools on an ongoing basis.

This nation building campaign is the result of a partnership between PNA and Breadline Africa, a collaborative relationship that began in 2021 with the construction of a new school in the impoverished community of Orange Farm, located 42km from Johannesburg.

According to Herman Botha, PNA Senior Executive for Product and Marketing, private sector investment is a critically important factor in determining better access to education – especially in vulnerable communities. “We are proud to be initiating another two rebuild projects in our ongoing efforts to make a difference to the communities that we serve.”

The money raised by the PNA Group and their loyal customers culminated in the handover of 2 new classrooms, an office, and a functional kitchen for both schools. In addition, the schools received new facilities including flush toilets, water harvesting tanks, and playground equipment which was generously donated.

PNA has also rallied the support of staff and suppliers to fulfil a resource wish-list for these schools, which includes stationery, educational books, posters, arts and crafts materials, plus gas heaters for the bitterly cold winters the region experiences.

“We recognise that literacy is critical for children’s long-term success,” says Marion Wagner, Director of Breadline Africa. “It is fundamentally important for children to obtain the high-level skills needed by a nation to address issues of poverty and inequality for development and growth.”

The PNA Group has already built 5 new schools across South Africa. In addition to its robust business growth strategy, the group also emphasises its mandate of social investment, with the help and support of customers, to invest in the future of Southern Africa. �

About PNA: PNA is a well-known Southern African franchise brand specialising in stationery retail. Founded in 1992, the franchise group now has 117 stores in total, all independent, owner-managed stores throughout South Africa and Namibia. It offers customers a comprehensive product range in Stationery, Art and Craft Materials, Educational Books, and associated products.