This is an annual competition open to learners from Grades 1- 12 across the country, inviting them to submit a short essay or drawing that best describes what they want to be when they grow up. Winners are chosen through a random draw by representatives from every Shoprite store across the country, with the winning learners’ school fees paid up in full for the entire year. Additionally, each winner receives the equivalent amount in vouchers that they can use for school stationary and other necessary educational items.
Now in its 10th year, the ‘Class of’ initiative has already paid more than R3.5m in school fees, empowering learners and their families each year with the gift of education without having to worry about the burden of rising school fees.
Neil Schreuder, marketing director at Shoprite, describes the company’s view on education as being a liberator. “It creates economic freedom and enables people to reach their full potential in life. As an organisation we recognise the enormous value of investing in education and giving young people the opportunity to learn, to obtain a qualification and to acquire the skills needed to gain employment. Shoprite’s ‘Class of’ competition is really more about inspiring learners to dream than anything else. We challenge them to dream big because we believe that if we nurture those dreams and create the educational opportunities by providing the necessary financing, these children can realise those dreams.”
The initiative is part of Shoprite’s broader commitment to education in local communities across the country that also includes an extensive bursary programme. Over the past 20 years, the group has awarded more than 2700 one year study bursaries to the value of over R110m.
Interestingly, 70% of these bursaries have been allocated over the past five years alone as the need for student financial support became greater. In 2016, the group is awarding bursaries to the value of almost R20m to deserving students across the country. These efforts are further complemented by an initiative to foster education that provides hot meals for children in need called the ‘Feed a child, nourish a mind’ initiative.
