Ford Donates R350K to Gift of the Givers for School in Weenen in KZN

Ford South Africa and Ford Credit have donated R350 000 to NGO Gift of the Givers for the construction of a new Grade R classroom and early childhood development (ECD) centre at Weenen Primary School in KwaZulu-Natal. 

The classroom was officially opened this week.

Located 35km from Estcourt, the rural school accommodates a total of 356 learners from Grades R to 7, with the new classroom and ECD facility caring for the youngest learners at the school. 

The school has been trying since 2008 to obtain sponsorships to build the much-needed ECD centre and Grade R classroom. 

Neale Hill, President of Ford Motor Company Africa said education is the key to unlocking the economic potential of South Africa. 

“It is a privilege to partner with Gift of the Givers Foundation again on another crucial project. The team from Gift of the Givers, under the guidance of Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, does exceptional community work across the country, and we commend the foundation for making a meaningful and long-lasting impact on peoples’ lives.”

Gift of the Givers Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman said the funding of the ECD and Grade R classroom at Weenen Primary School is indicative yet again of the importance Ford attaches to education and the development of children at the very grassroots. 

“These vulnerable children in rural and smaller communities need all the assistance, love and support they can receive. At a time when South Africa is in crisis, such as during the civil unrest experienced in KwaZulu-Natal last year, companies like Ford are a beacon to our nation.” 

Dr Sooliman said Ford has already supported the organisation with tackling the impact of the COVID-19, installing boreholes at schools in Nelson Mandela Bay, helping to deliver winter warmth, and providing vehicles for logistics among other initiatives.