Epson, a global leader in sustainable technology solutions, has launched its Back-to-School campaign in South Africa, aimed at supporting creativity and learning for students in local communities. International superstar and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Shakira, joins the initiative, encouraging South African children to explore their imaginations and develop confidence through hands-on activities.

The campaign offers South African families access to a range of after-school programmes, both in-person and online, when purchasing selected Epson EcoTank printers. As part of the offer, parents can enjoy one-on-one online tutoring with a dedicated tutor in Maths, English, Science and more subjects through JustTutors. By purchasing a qualifying EcoTank printer from any participating retailer during the promotion period, families can claim up to four free afterschool classes, giving children the opportunity to be educated, entertained, and energised in a supportive learning environment. 

In addition to online tutoring, children can take part in sport, coding workshops and other educational activities designed to spark creativity and build essential skills. Programmes are hosted in partnership with local organisations to ensure relevance for South African learners. 

Research commissioned by NASA showed that children’s creativity can decline as they progress through formal schooling, with 98% of children aged four to five in the study displaying creative genius, which dropped to just 2% in adulthood. Epson’s Back-to-School campaign aims to counter this by providing engaging learning experiences outside the classroom, helping students gain confidence, develop skills, and express themselves freely.

Gareth Jay, Regional Sales Director for Epson Africa, says that nurturing the unbridled creativity inherent in children is key to building crucial life and professional skills later on. “Creativity is key to preparing students for the future, and while academic success is often seen as the primary goal when it comes to a child’s development, our goal is to help students build curiosity, confidence and problem-solving skills. The activities and online resources that are available are designed to complement classroom learning and empower children to thrive.”

Shakira’s collaboration highlights her shared commitment to youth education and creative development. As an international artist and advocate for children’s learning, she embodies the campaign’s vision of inspiring imagination, innovation, and self-expression among South African students. 

Epson’s campaign reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to empowering classrooms and students with interactive tools and solutions that promote both academic learning and creative exploration. The campaign is applicable on select Epson EcoTank printer models only and will run from January across South Africa.