Access to basic learning tools such as stationery remains a critical foundation for quality education. This back-to-school period, a collaborative effort between Edu Invest, powered by Wesgro, and Checkers is raising awareness of the importance of education resources, while mobilising citizens and businesses to support learners in need.
By highlighting the importance of citizen participation in school stationery drives and supporting Checkers’ Act for Change Back-to-School Campaign, Edu Invest is enabling people across the Western Cape to play an active role in strengthening education outcomes. Shoppers can donate from as little as R5 to the Act For Change Fund at any Checkers till point or purchase a limited-edition Act For Change exam pad, with proceeds supporting Meals on Wheels in distributing essential stationery to learners in need.
The impact of the campaign is further strengthened by the participation of leading stationery brands, including Pritt, Bostik, Henkel, Staedtler, Penflex, Bic, Butterfly, Casio, KV Art, Freedom Stationery, Bidvest, Palm Stationery, CTP Stationery, Sappi and Plastafrica. Each brand will contribute a percentage of sales from selected products sold at Checkers stores towards providing stationery to schools in need.
While effective teaching is essential, learners cannot fully participate in the classroom without access to basic tools such as pens, exercise books and exam pads. This initiative highlights how access to stationery directly supports learner dignity, confidence and performance, and demonstrates how everyday actions by citizens, supported by responsible businesses, can make a meaningful difference during the back-to-school period.
Through Edu Invest, a catalytic project run in collaboration with the Western Cape Education Department, the province continues to mobilise corporate social investment (CSI) to strengthen education outcomes across the province. The collaboration with Checkers serves as a strong example of how public and private sector efforts can align to translate awareness into tangible, on-the-ground support for learners.
Commenting on the Back-to-School stationery drive, Western Cape Minister of Education, David Maynier, said:
“Access to basic learning resources such as stationery is fundamental to quality education. Campaigns like this demonstrate the power of collaboration in supporting learners, particularly during the critical back-to-school period. I would like to thank Checkers, Edu Invest, and the many other businesses contributing to stationery drives across the province. I also encourage citizens to make a small donation, so that together we can equip learners with the stationery they need.”
Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander, added:
“Education is the foundation of a thriving economy. Through Edu Invest, we are committed to mobilising private sector investment and corporate social investment to strengthen the education system. This collaboration with Checkers demonstrates how awareness, collective action and accessible giving mechanisms can empower both businesses and citizens to support learners in practical and meaningful ways.”
The Shoprite Group’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Sanjeev Raghubir said: “We are committed to rolling up our sleeves and to act for change. We firmly believe that strong collaboration between the private and public sectors can play a crucial role in helping our children develop into the leaders of tomorrow. By providing them with the necessary tools for their educational journey, we contribute to unlocking their potential.”
To find out more about how you can make a difference, visit www.wesgro.co.za/edu-invest and Shopriteholdings.co.za.
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