Three KZN schools triumph in ninth OMO Spar Schools Challenge

Dhevin Telukdarrie, Barry Maharaj (Verulam Primary School Deputy Principal), Poobalan Pather (Verulam Primary School Principal), Anil Singh (Spar Waterloo store manager) and Bongekile Sabelo (OMO Spar Schools Challenge representative). Photo: Supplied

The OMO Spar Schools Challenge is an ongoing initiative by FMCG giant Unilever and 197 Spar stores countrywide to help promote child development and proficiency in maths and science.

To reinforce their commitment to youth development and education in disadvantaged communities, OMO and Spar have given away additional cash prizes to the value of R1.3 million in the Schools Challenge.

The first, second and third schools in each region in South Africa with the most till slip collections over the period of the campaign each received cash prizes of R30 000, R20 000 and R10 000 respectively for use towards the upgrade of their school.

Three schools north of Durban – Verulam Primary, Trenance Park Primary and Parkgate Primary secured first, second and third places respectively for collecting the highest number of till slips in the KZN region.
The top 150 schools with the highest number of entries had each received mini portable science laboratories.

At a prize-giving event recently, Verulam Primary School principal Poobalan Pather said: “The initiative was a wonderful experience for my school and the learners.

“The Schools Challenge has taught learners to persevere and work hard for victory. I am grateful to OMO and encourage them to continue making a positive impact in schools and communities.”

Participants in the Challenge, which included parents, were encouraged to purchase an OMO product at any of the participating Spar outlets nationally during June, July and August 2015; nominate a community primary school and submit their till slip into an entry box provided at the participating Spar store.

The OMO Fast Kids Maths App which formed an integral part of the initiative, is an interactive online learning platform catering for various levels of educational experience and mathematical aptitude.

The platform enables learners to practise their mathematical skills through various exercises including number bonds, time tables and general arithmetic in the comfort and safety of their homes. A virtual reward mechanism was used to encourage regular engagement among users. Go to https://www.omofastkids.co.za/ to visit the app.

“Education has long been a key focus area for Unilever with several school initiatives in place to enhance the wellbeing and livelihood of our nation’s future leaders,” said Andrew Mysell, OMO Marketing Manager.

“The 2015 Challenge had received overwhelming support from schools and even from parents who played an active role in ensuring their children have a bright future ahead. It gives us immense joy to provide the resources necessary for children to excel in their academic environment.”

Details of the 2016 OMO Spar Schools Challenge to take place later this year, will be communicated through various media platforms in each province.

For more information about the OMO Spar Schools Challenge call 0860 572 908, emailconsumer.affairs-za@unilever.comor visit www.omo.co.za