Mahindra, Rotary lights up lives of less fortunate matric pupils
Mahindra (East Rand), in partnership with Rotary Club of Boksburg Lake, has initiated a social responsibility programme to light up the lives of the less fortunate matric pupils around Boksburg.
The two organisations joined hands to visit Oos Rand Secondary School and Balmoral College to hand over solar-powered and battery-operated lamps to ensure that matric learners from disadvantaged communities have adequate light to use to study after dark.
Mahindra has supplied 5 000 lamps and pencil bags with stationery to matric pupils at selected schools countrywide.
MSA’s logistics supplier’s Savino del Bene has taken on the mammoth task of transporting this important cargo to the various handover points.
The handover of the lamps and pencil bags will continue nationwide, facilitated by Mahindra’s national dealer network together with Rotary South Africa clubs in each area.
Gerry Leach, dealer principal at Mahindra (East Rand) said, “It is unfortunate that many of our people do not have access to electricity, resulting in students often having to study by candlelight or paraffin lamps.
“This is not ideal, and poor lighting at night-time must surely have a negative effect on students’ concentration and focus whilst studying.
“So in order to assist you in studying in better and more consistent light, Mahindra and Rotary International have donated a solar-powered lamp and some stationery to matric learners.”
Linda Strokes from Rotary Club of Boksburg Lake demonstrated how the solar lamp works.
“The working of the solar lamp is quite simple, as you just leave it in the sun during the day to charge the battery, and at night-time you will have clear white light by which to study,” she said.
Rotary Anns’ president, Pam Daniell, said that they are very happy to be part of the project as they believe in assisting and improving the lives of young people.
The learners at Oos Rand Secondary School and Balmoral College were also given caps, T-shirts, lunch boxes and backpacks from a company called Suntory.
Balmoral College Grade 12 learner Sinothile Mhlongo said: “We as the learners feel honoured to be the chosen school to receive such wonderful gifts. We will use the solar lamps as it will help us in our last year journey of studying.”
Mahindra is a global company providing products and services such as cars, tractors and even information services to countries all over the world.
