The formal CSR relationship between NVest Financial Holdings (NVest) and African Angels School started in 2020, but the connection and support between the two organisations started a few years back where staff members were involved in the “sponsor an Angel” initiative. In December 2018, staff member Nathan Carr organized a raffle within NVest, which was so well supported by the staff that the proceeds covered a two-year school fee sponsorship for little Iviwe, who was in Grade 1 at African Angels School.
NVest takes a very hands-on and active approach to its Corporate Social Responsibility projects which focus on the theme of “empowerment through education”, targeting the early childhood development (ECD) phase, primary, secondary and tertiary levels (where possible with a financial literacy bias).
The formalisation of the NVest CSR relationship centres on support for the Grade 4 class. NVest assists with school fees, teacher salaries and incorporates various other forms of engagement with the children and staff. NVest staff are encouraged to actively engage with the companies’ CSR projects which has resulted in staff hosting a Christmas party at the school, taking part in the “88-for-Angels Comrades Marathon” challenge and supplying, packing and distributing food parcels and meals from the Chintsa East Community Centre during the Covid-enforced hard lockdown, which decimated incomes in the area.
NVest has also donated seedlings for the community gardens project to promote ongoing sustenance, sustainable food security and a culture of self-reliance.
Lou Billett, the Founder of the School, says, “We love the hands on and practical approach of the NVest staff. It has been a real privilege to work alongside them as we handed out food parcels, masks, seedlings and data. The kids still use those masks at school. The Covid forced lockdown was such an uncertain time for our families and kids and having the NVest team walk the road with us was really reassuring. Our grade 4 teacher and his class are very special, and we are grateful for the support and commitment from the NVest team. We look forward to a long and meaningful partnership with the NVest team.”
Taryn de Villiers, Group Human Resources Manager at NVest says, “The aim of African Angels to provide high-quality primary school education to lay a sound foundation upon which students become productive, employed and sound citizens fits perfectly with our CSR goals. We are so proud to be partnered with such an amazing team of individuals – Lou and her staff are a great example of what we as South Africans can achieve if we set our minds to it.”
Lou Billett, African Angels Independent School
