The Woolies Water Fund stepped in to install water infrastructure at a school in Kwa-Zulu Natal thereby enabling a clean and consistent water secure source for drinking, sanitation and hygiene purposes.

 

“The installation will benefit 1 190 learners and staff at Naidoo Memorial Primary School in the south coast village of Umkomaas in KwaZulu Natal,” says Illana Abrahams, Woolworths’ Making the Difference National Operations Manager. The Naidoo Memorial Primary School, established in January 1936, has frequently been left dry due to inconsistent municipal supply and no storage capacity. Lack of water has inhibited the school’s mission to deliver high quality education to the children of Umkomaas.

 

Abrahams said that through its Making the Difference (MTD) programme, Woolworths has installed two water tanks at the Naidoo Memorial Primary School with a combined capacity of 20 000l, upgraded the roof gutters to allow for the free flow of rainwater to the tanks, and includes new handwashing stations and filtration systems. The project is aimed at enhancing the learning environment and could help the school save on its water bill.

 

“On behalf of Naidoo Memorial Primary School, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to Woolworths’ MTD programme as this has come at a really opportune time as we are constantly facing a water crisis in our community.  A consistent water source will enable our teaching and learning to continue uninterrupted and help us maintain our high standards of high-quality education. This synergy with Woolworths’ MTD programme is very beneficial,” school Acting Principal Mr J Periah said.

 

The MTD programme is part of Woolworths’ Inclusive Justice Initiative, a commitment to inspire inclusive growth by taking action against discrimination and marginalisation and promoting inclusion and empowerment. To-date the Woolies Water Fund has donated R10.1m towards the installation of 248 rainwater storage tanks at 136 schools across four provinces in South Africa, benefitting 163 800 children. Schools have been able to store 1.5million litres of water with some even starting food gardens. 

 

“Water scarcity has significantly impacted teaching and learning at our school. Prior to the installation of the rainwater tanks, we relied on intermittent municipal water supply, which often left us without water for extended periods. This affected our ability to maintain proper hygiene and sanitation standards. The rainwater tanks will be a game-changer, providing a reliable source of clean water for our learners and staff. We are grateful for the support of the Woolworths MTD programme who have made this possible,” Naidoo Memorial Primary school educator Merushka Singh added.

 

In recognition of World Water Day in March, Woolworths invited schools to nominate their Woolies School Water Hero. Schools were asked to share their water-saving initiatives and stories with the winning school receiving water storage infrastructure system with filtration and a handwashing station. This year, 100 schools participated, and Naidoo Memorial Primary School won.

 

Water-wise South Africans can join Woolworths by signing up for the MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet Programme and nominating the Woolies Water Fund as one of their three beneficiaries.  Every time a supporter shops at Woolworths and swipes their free card at till points or online checkouts, a percentage is donated to the Woolies Water Fund at no cost to the customer.