A lack of basic resources can make learning difficult, and it is vital to address social welfare issues that can have an impact on a learner's performance. In some instances, students at the school shared chairs and desks or sat on the floor, which is not conducive to learning. During the month of April, the ExxonMobil Adopt-a-School program donated learner desks, educator storage cabinets, and chairs to help create a more conducive learning environment. As part of the program an optometrist also conducted eye screenings at the school, and learners with poor eyesight were given spectacles.
According to Banyana Mohajane, Program Director at Adopt-a-School Foundation, the partnership at Ntshidi Primary School has helped to create a conducive learning and teaching environment, and has also addressed some of the social welfare challenges facing the learners.
"This partnership is an important component of ExxonMobil's local business strategy, as it demonstrates the company's commitment to uplifting societies and delivering long-term development benefits to communities," said Russ Berkoben, Country Manager at ExxonMobil.
ExxonMobil, which has a strong focus on education to empower communities and build the foundation for human progress, adopted Ntshidi Primary School in 2014 with a contribution of over R600,000.
ExxonMobil supports a mathematics educator training program at the school, equipping educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to improve learner performance in mathematics, and has also provided school uniforms to over 100 orphans and vulnerable children.
