Sanlam and Torga Optical partner for visual aid

SANLAM and Torga Optical signed an agreement under which the two companies will come together on a social responsibility project known as the Sanlam Vision for Change.

The project aims to assist government and specifically the ministries of education and health in their efforts to provide quality education and health services to all Namibian children.

Understanding that government cannot carry this responsibility alone, Sanlam and Torga Optical came together through this project, which will see less fortunate learners at identified secondary schools tested, and those identified with a critical need provided with spectacles.

The project addresses three challenges: eyesight problems (health), financial needs, and improved learning (education).

Research shows that 80% of children across Africa struggle to learn as a result of treatable eyesight problems. Sanlam and Torga Optical hope that through this project, the problem can be addressed for Namibian pupils.

Kicking off the project on Friday, 17 November, the Jan Jonker Afrikaner Secondary School, Hage Geingob High School and Windhoek High School were identified to participate in the pilot project in what Sanlam hopes will become an annual event.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Sanlam general manager; public and corporate support, Evans Simataa said: “As a responsible corporate citizen, Sanlam is committed to making a difference in the everyday lives of Namibians”.

“While this is the first of its kind for Sanlam, we hope to carry on with this project for as long as possible. We understand there is a great need for this kind of service and many parents and guardians cannot afford it, often leaving their children with even worse eyesight and learning difficulties,” Simataa added.

Torga Optical owner, Jana Kotze said they were happy to join Sanlam on this project as they too are committed to assisting the less fortunate in communities, and want to make a difference in the lives of the Namibian child.

“We are happy to plough back and do our part for our communities” she noted.

The project will entail Torga Optical setting up mobile testing stations at each school for two days, thereby testing and identifying pupils who need glasses. These pupils will then be provided with a coupon, which they can take to any Torga Optical in Windhoek for further testing. After that, the pupils will be provided the glasses.

– Sanlam Namibia

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