POLOKWANE – The Networth Group empowered 200 learners through its Gift of Tomorrow Back-to-School initiative, donating school shoes and essential learning items to learners from various schools on Friday.

The handover was attended by teachers from participating schools.

Tshepo Mathabatha, a business leader and an image consultant, welcomed guests and outlined the purpose of the initiative.

Mathabatha said the Networth Group successfully concluded the programme under the slogan ‘Ready, Set, Learn’. The initiative benefitted learners from quintile 1, 2 and 3 schools, mainly within the Polokwane circuit, with one participating school from the Sekhukhune district.

Mathabatha said the programme, delivered in partnership with schools, community-based organisations and non-governmental organisations, aimed to restore dignity and improve learning readiness for learners from financially vulnerable households.

“Beneficiaries were identified through teachers and community leadership who work closely with families facing socio-economic challenges,” she said.

Each learner received a comprehensive back-to-school pack, including a school bag, school shoes, stationery and mathematics tools, hygiene items, and other essentials designed to support both academic participation and personal well-being.

Speaking at the handover, Networth Group representative Danute Smit highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing educational inequality: “The Gift of Tomorrow programme is about more than school supplies. It is about restoring confidence, dignity and hope for children who deserve the opportunity to learn without barriers,” she said.

Smit also acknowledged the role of the group’s roll-out partner, KDL Footprints Foundation, as well as the contribution of schools and community organisations in identifying beneficiaries and ensuring the successful implementation of the programme.

The initiative also created opportunities to introduce future partnerships with government departments, including Agriculture and Rural Development and Transport and Community Safety, to explore food security, road safety and learner protection interventions.

Networth confirmed that the programme forms part of a rotational regional impact model, with plans to expand to other regions in the coming years.

Representatives from the following schools received the backpacks on behalf of their schools:

• New Look Primary School.

• Mmasesha Primary School.

• CM Sehlapelo School.

• Alf Makaleng Primary School.

• Samuel Thema Primary School.

• David Nkoana Primary School.

• Esau Mosedame Primary School.

• Boiketlo Primary School.

• Molautsi Secondary School.

• Ernest Matlou Primary School.

• Makgatsike Primary School.

• Mahlodumela Full Service School.

• Makgale Phasha High School.