Exxaro Resources, through its wholly owned subsidiary and renewable energy solutions business, Cennergi, is empowering communities through a range of impactful educational initiatives. Through strategic partnerships, funding programmes, and training initiatives, the Company creating a brighter future for young learners to foster socio-economic development in the regions it operates.
Cennergi launched its Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme, in 2021 in collaboration with Early Inspiration, a specialised organisation in early childhood development. With a baseline assessment conducted in 2020, the programme aims to enhance the quality of education within Cennergi’s Tsitsikamma Community Wind Farm in the Eastern Cape Province. By partnering with Early Inspiration, the programme ensures efficient centre management, curriculum development, and practitioner training. In 2023, the programme has expanded to include a focus on literacy improvement, with the ultimate goal of achieving whole school development. To date, Cennergi has invested R3.3 million in this programme, benefitting 176 children across six ECD centres in five communities.
Additionally, Cennergi's bursary funding programmes have made a significant impact on tertiary education. The Tsitsikamma Wind Farm and Amakhala Emoyeni Wind Farm projects have established bursary programmes to support financially deserving students from rural communities. Cennergi, through the Tsitsikamma Wind Farm Trust (TWFT) and the Amakhala Emoyeni Community Fund Trust, has invested a total of R8.6 million, providing critical financial support to students pursuing higher education. Since the inception of the TWFT programme, 25 students have benefitted from the bursaries, with 13 having successfully graduated.
"We are incredibly proud of the educational initiatives and projects that Cennergi, in collaboration with our partners, has undertaken. We firmly believe that education is the key to unlocking opportunities and transforming lives. By investing in early childhood development, providing bursaries for tertiary education, and supporting skills training, we are making a tangible and lasting impact on the communities in which we operate. Through these initiatives, we are empowering individuals, fostering economic growth, and creating a brighter future for all. We remain committed to driving positive change and will continue to invest in educational initiatives that uplift and empower our communities." Leon Groenewald, Managing Director Energy.
The educational initiatives undertaken by Exxaro Resources and its subsidiary, Cennergi, have had a profound impact on the communities they serve. By investing in early childhood development, bursary programs, skills training, and specialised education centres, Exxaro is empowering individuals, reducing poverty, and contributing to the socio-economic growth of these communities.