PNA and Breadline Africa Give Early Childhood Development a Boost
PNA, South Africa’s top retailer of stationery, art supplies, and educational books, has partnered with Breadline Africa, a well-known non-profit organisation, to enhance Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres in vulnerable communities across South Africa. Together, they aim to invest in the country’s young children and promote education.
Their joint efforts have raised over R1.5 million, covering the costs of much-needed upgrades at Lusemanzi ECD in Orange Farm, Gauteng. This year’s annual fundraiser raised enough money to build two new furnished school classrooms, eight new toilet facilities, an upgraded playground with bike track, and a vegetable garden. Generous donations of educational toys and stationery from PNA suppliers ensured that the two classrooms were fully stocked.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by the local community, PNA staff, teachers, and pupils, as well as the school principal. The Lusemanzi school children enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon with PNA staffers – face-painting, a jumping castle, soccer games, and singing were all part of the day!
Janine McEvoy, Business Development Manager at Breadline Africa, expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating that “we firmly believe in the transformative power of education, particularly during a child’s formative years. And PNA’s Funky Socks Day initiative has allowed us to provide for another ECD – improving the lives of countless South African children.”
Chantelle Fritz, PNA Marketing & PR manager says “Education is close to our hearts. Our devotion, as a business, is steadfast to improving conditions at ECD’s around the country. It’s about giving them hope in a world where opportunities can be scarce helping them become the best version of themselves. Teachers too, are faced with unimaginable obstacles yet always give their best. This is the sixth ECD that we have been able to help. And to see the joy in the teachers’ faces is equally as rewarding as seeing the happy kids.”
Through their support of the Lusemanzi ECD centre, PNA and Breadline Africa are reaffirming their commitment to nurturing young minds and cultivating a brighter future for South Africa’s youth. Their efforts help address critical gaps in early childhood education in South Africa, including inadequate infrastructure, a lack of trained teachers, and limited access to quality education.
