Monday 12 September 2016

Sports icon brings cheer to winning school

Learners of Hermanus Private Pre and Primary School in the Western Cape were the envy of neighbouring schools when SA cricket icon, Dale Steyn, visited their school to present a cheque for R10 000.

Dale Steyn presents a cheque for R10 000 to Hermanus Private Pre and Primary School

The school emerged first in the primary category for having collected the most caps in the Western Cape region as part of the OMO Ready for Life Schools Challenge.

In 2015, FMCG giant Unilever’s OMO brand team embarked on a countrywide initiative to emphasise the importance of education, goal-setting and pushing the boundaries for success among scholars.

Over 200 primary and high schools in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the Western Cape participated in the challenge and were tasked with collecting OMO Auto liquid caps to qualify to win a host of prizes.

The winner of the first prize in the challenge received a visit to the school from Dale plus R10 000 which the school may use towards a sports tour, equipment or an upgrade.

The Department of Basic Education recognises the value of school sport and physical education in providing the foundation necessary for the holistic development of learners in support of the academic curriculum.

Dale Steyn at Hermanus Private Pre and Primary School
Renowned for his fast-bowling abilities and world-class performances, Dale emerged as the obvious choice for the campaign’s brand ambassador.

Through a series of visits by OMO brand ambassadors, the valuable lessons on goal-setting and the necessary steps to be taken by learners to achieve them, were welcomed by various schools across SA.



“Our school had participated in the challenge last year and won. When I heard that a cash prize was up for grabs, there was no question of participating a second time,” said Caronne Vermaak, Hermanus Private Pre and Primary School principal.

“We adopt a Montessori approach to education which promotes goal-setting and child development through the years. We inspire the children to set goals in order to develop a positive and stable direction in life, and to be successful.

“Our school is home to 87 children who were all enthusiastic about collecting caps with the hope of winning the challenge once more.”

She said Dale’s visit had a significant impact on the learners, particularly with the cricket season approaching. Motivational speakers like Dale were, therefore, most welcomed.
“Dale has reached his goals as a cricketer, and his words of wisdom on career choices have motivated and excited the learners.

“We are extremely grateful to OMO for the opportunity and will put the cash prize to good use,” concluded Vermaak.

To date, OMO has reached 200 000 learners through the Ready for Life campaign and will continue its journey to develop the potential of learners in 2016 and beyond.

Henry Muchauraya from the OMO South Africa brand team said: “OMO is geared towards unleashing human potential, and key to developing this is setting and achieving goals. Ready for Life seeks to build this responsible outlook with learners from a young age.

“Dale possesses all the key attributes a young and aspiring learner would find attractive in a mentor. He himself is young, successful and highly motivated. Thus he was identified as the ideal fit for the campaign, given his mentorship role to support budding talent.”

Winners of the challenge also nominate a less privileged school to win R5000 for school equipment or an upgrade. Hermanus Private Pre and Primary School nominated Mount Pleasant Primary School as the recipient. Pinehurst Primary School was declared the runner-up in the challenge and awarded R5000.

In each region, one class with the most caps collected wins a R10 000 Sportsman’s Warehouse voucher to be shared among the class.

One primary school class in each province with the most caps collected is selected as a winner for the class prize.



Issued on behalf of Unilever by:
Tanisha Ramshai
Meropa Communications
031 201 0550