FNB Eswatini and Buy ‘n Save SPAR have jointly invested E52 950 to purchase school shoes for 356 pupils in 12 primary schools countrywide.

The two organisations contributed equally toward the purchase. The donation was handed over to the Ministry of Education and Training during a sponsorship ceremony held at the FNB Eswatini Head Office in Ezulwini.

Distribution to the selected schools commenced thereafter and concluded last week.

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The initiative targeted underprivileged pupils identified by the schools as lacking basic uniform items.

The timing of the distribution coincided with the ongoing winter season.

FNB Eswatini and Buy ‘n Save SPAR entered into a partnership to address immediate needs among learners.

Under the agreement, each organisation funded half of the total E52 950 budget allocated for the purchase of school shoes.

FNB Eswatini Chief Marketing Officer Sibusile Dlamini said the project reflects the bank’s commitment to communities in which it operates.

“As a business, we are unequivocal in our commitment to Eswatini, ‘Sitintile Eswatini futsi asiyindzawo,’” Dlamini said.

“Therefore, as we operate in communities across the country, we want to remain mindful of the challenges our people face and, as much as possible, contribute towards sustainable solutions.”

Dlamini added that the distribution process provided an opportunity for engagement with schools.

“It has been heart-warming to go around the schools, meet the little stars of tomorrow and engage the teachers who play such a big role in developing our country,” she said.

Buy ‘n Save SPAR Risk and Compliance Officer ZephMziyako said the donation was intended to provide direct support to learners during winter.

“We are delighted that the donation we made has been delivered to the children at a time when the winter season persists,” Mziyako said.

“Retailing is about fostering relationships with communities and in any relationship,

each party must play a role in ensuring that such a relationship thrives and endures.

We are grateful to FNB for creating this opportunity for us to play our part in bringing warmth and changing lives.”

A total of 356 pupils received shoes across the following 12 schools: Lobamba National Primary School, Lomadvokola Primary School, Dlangeni Primary School, Ludzeludze Primary School, Phocweni Primary School, Ekuphileni Primary School, School for the Deaf Primary School, Maphiveni Primary School, Mcuba Primary School, St Aidans Primary School, Mavalela Primary School and Ngolweni Primary School.

School administrators reported that the donation addressed a documented need among learners.

Lobamba National Primary School Headteacher Andrew Dlamini said many learners at the school lack necessities.

“We would like to sincerely thank FNB Eswatini for considering us. Many of our children here are poor and lack the necessities like school shoes,” Dlamini said.

“It is easy to think because we are close to town that we don’t have those needs but we do. We really appreciate this support from FNB and Buy ‘n Save SPAR. It will go a long way.”

Lomadvokola Primary School Headteacher Sincobile Thwala said the shoes will improve learner comfort and participation.

“I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to FNB and Buy ‘n Save SPAR for the generous donation of school shoes,” Thwala said.

“This support came at a time when many of our learners were struggling to attend school comfortably and with dignity.

Worn-out or ill-fitting shoes were affecting their confidence and participation in school activities,” said Thwala.

She further said that this donation goes beyond shoes. It is a donation of hope, care and the belief that every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn.

The Ministry of Education and Training received the consignment of 356 pairs of shoes on July 16.

Following the handover, FNB and Buy ‘n Save teams coordinated distribution to the 12 identified schools.

Both FNB Eswatini and Buy ‘n Save SPAR indicated that the partnership model allowed for the E52 950 allocation to reach 356 learners across multiple regions within a single intervention.