As part of its commitment to education, precious metals refiner Rand Refinery has donated R2-million to seven primary and secondary schools in Gauteng.

The company says this donation will be allocated towards refurbishments at, and procurement of modern educational tools by, the selected schools.

Moreover, Rand Refinery says its investment will focus on enhancing school infrastructure and providing essential educational resources. The initiative thus aims to create more equitable learning conditions and support holistic educational experiences for students.

These enhancements include refurbishing the sports change rooms; equipping classrooms with the latest technology including laptops, screens and projectors to facilitate interactive learning and enable teachers to deliver high-quality education; as well as distributing dignity packs for male and female learners.

During a Rand Refinery Social Economic Development Programme Schools Initiative handover ceremony, on April 26, CEO Praveen Baijnath expressed that the R2-million investment for the 2023 financial year further underscored the company’s ongoing commitment towards deserving schools in the community.

“By channelling this proposed R2-million donation into educational facilities and technology . . . our aim is to bridge the gap between the potential and the opportunity,” said Baijnath.

The company says the schools were chosen based on their infrastructural needs and the potential for impacting substantial numbers of students.

“It's not just about equipping the students with these tools, but it is about preparing them to navigate in a future that is shaped by technology,” added Baijnath, arguing that integrating technology into education should be a deliberate strategy.

The beneficiaries of this programme include Germiston High School, which will have its sports change rooms refurbished; and Germiston South Primary School, Laerskool Goudrand, Laerskool Germiston Primary School and Galway Primary School, which will all receive laptops, data projectors and LED screens.

Additionally, over 3 000 students from the Boipelo and Sijabulile secondary schools will receive a yearly supply of personal care and hygiene products, including sanitary pads.

This donation is part of a series of planned contributions that focus on educational support and community development projects. Rand Refinery says its initiatives align with its broader strategy to support educational programmes that promise to yield long-term benefits for community upliftment.

Between 2021 and 2022, the company invested about R5.8-million in educational enhancements.

“Pursuing education with determination and passion can empower learners to achieve their goals, make a difference in the world and shape a better future for themselves and society.

“With education, learners can build a strong foundation to success and become confident, capable and competent individuals,” said Rand Refinery operations manager Elton Cupido during the handover ceremony.