Ubank donates shoes to Mmiditsi learners
Vuthala says every child derseves not just books and good facilities to study but also proper uniform
BOTHASHOEK – Children in Burgersfort have to walk up to an hour to get to schools, with a few of them going barefoot because there is no money to buy shoes.
With this in mind, Ubank Burgersfort branch decided to donate school shoes to the most needy and vulnerable learners of Mmiditsi Secondary School.
The presentation ceremony was held last on February 10, at the school’s premises, and 648 pairs of Toughees were handed over to ecstatic learners. This was part of the financial service company’s back-to-school campaign which sought to restore the dignity and confidence of learners from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring that they had an equal chance of reaching their potential.
Speaking to Steelburger/Lydenburg News, CEO of Ubank, Luthando Vuthala, said one of the pillars supporting Ubank’s business strategy was community development. “Investing in the communities in which we operate, forms a critical part of how we do business and our constant effort has been to help uplift the lives not only of our customers, but also their families.”
He said Ubank had prioritised sustainable educational programmes in partnership with various district offices of the Department of Education and was also assisting schools to improve their facilities. “Every child deserves not just books and good facilities to study, but also proper uniforms and clothing that is protective.”
Vuthala added that the bank would maintain its relationship with Mmiditsi as it was one of the most challenged schools in Tubatse.
The principal Mmaphuti Mogane, thanked the bank for helping her school, “Surely, we will never have learners coming to school without shoes. I ensured that the shoes were given to the neediest learners, which included orphans and disadvantaged pupils. I wish other businesses could follow in Ubank’s footsteps to improve our schools. “I therefore thank Ubank for their efforts and encourage them to continue with their commitment to a better and quality education.”
The Mmiditsi learners sang, praised and chanted the bank’s name, with most even promising to bank with Ubank.
