Nedbank has partnered with the people of Paarl to create a community fund to address pressing issues in the area and contribute towards creating a thriving town.
The initial focus of the fund will be on early-childhood development (ECD), with particular emphasis on the safety and overall wellbeing of ECD centres in the greater Paarl-Wellington area.
A number of organisations in the Drakenstein area are joining forces to address matters such as the certification of crèches, fire and safety regulations, training and capacity building, and enterprise development.
With its partner, social enterprise Ranyaka Community Investment Managers, Nedbank’s “Places Programme” aims to create sustainable communities by promoting social cohesion, capacitating local businesses and entrepreneurs, creating clean and safe environments and attracting investment. Food security and leadership development in schools are also priority items on the bank’s investment agenda.
The foundation has spent R15 million in the Western Cape since 2012 and R14 million on ECD in the past five years, with a specific focus on practitioner training, ECD resources, and mobile classrooms (Edutainers).
Nedbank will also be supporting the people of Paarl with numerous financial literacy, financial management, entrepreneurship and business acumen workshops over the next five months – at no cost.
