As communications professionals, we speak about using the power of storytelling to bring about meaningful change. As part of our commitment to FleishmanHillard’s global social inclusion initiative, we decided to extend our professional use of storytelling, to contribute to the fight against inequality in education.
Aligned with Mandela Day, an annual international day in honor of Nelson Mandela, FleishmanHillard Johannesburg decided to enrich the lives of 220 grade one (6-years-old’s) students, at Nooitgedacht Primary School.
The school, based in an underprivileged community in Johannesburg, lacks basic facilities and resources needed to provide the children with quality education. The children come from adverse living conditions, lack support systems and travel far to get to and from school each day.
Seldom given a lunch meal, we spent Thursday morning making lunch packs for the kids, to ensure they had one decent meal in the day.
We donated a handful of books the school library and spent an hour of the day reading the children stories, which were outside the realm of their normal curriculum.
Through the power of storytelling we were able to make a real impact in the lives of the children. Energised and inspired, both FleishmanHillad and the children, had a day to remember.
In closing, Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon with which you can use to change the world.” We are inspired to continue to help the communities in need and to educate the future generation of South Africa.
(Above) The FleishmanHillard Team together at Nooitgedacht Primary School.
