South African actress, businesswoman and human rights activitist Nomzamo Mbatha, has partnered with the Cotton On Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Australia’s largest fashion retailer the Cotton On Group, to create widespread change in the lives of young people in South Africa.
Nomzamo was announced as the first Cotton On Foundation Ambassador in South Africa at the official opening of eThekwini Primary School this week. Situated in KwaMashu, the school marks the first big milestone in a long-term partnership between the Cotton On Foundation and the community.
Nomzamo is using her personal experiences to drive her advocacy for young people accessing quality education regardless of their personal or financial circumstances.
“It is a heart warming and fulfilling moment for me to be part of the eThekweni Primary, in the township that raised me, Kwamashu. Education is incredibly close to my heart, as it was my way out. My mother is a teacher so I understand the impact of the Foundation's partnership with eThekweni Primary School,” says the actess.
“I am honoured to support the Cotton On Foundation’s work with local communities to ensure that young people have access to quality education. Education empowers individuals and the communities around them, it builds economies and reduces inequalities.”
The Cotton On Foundation in partnership with the KwaMashu community has delivered a state of the art school and created 1280 education places for primary school learners. The Foundation’s next project partner is Dr JL Dube High School, also located in KwaMashu.
This project brings to life the Foundation’s ‘Child's Journey’ model and will close the loop on local children gaining quality education in KwaMashu from primary through to secondary school.
“Ethekwini Primary School is the 24th Cotton On Foundation supported school that has opened around the globe. And it’s especially important to us because it’s our first Foundation supported school here in South Africa,” says Natalie Wills, Country Manager, Cotton On Group.
“We’re committed to delivering quality education for South Africa. Ethekwini Primary School marks the first big milestone in a long-term partnership with this community. We want our work to be scalable and sustainable. Our goal is widespread change in the lives of young people in South Africa,” says Wills.
Images: Supplied by Jenny Griesel
Compiled by Afika Jadezweni
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