A R2 million grant from Anglo American's dedicate Corporate Social Investment (CSI) arm, the Chairman's Fund, towards the construction of a classroom block at the Iona Convent School in Pretoria, is set to substantially improve the learning environment of underprivileged learners from Mamelodi. The new classroom block was officially opened at a function held on 31 October 2012.

This latest grant is consistent with the continued funding that the Chairman's Fund has provided to the Sisters of Mercy Educational Trust for over 32 years. Overall, the Fund has donated over R9 million to assist with building projects, classroom programmes, science and mathematics programmes, as well as cultural projects in Soweto, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Mmakau and Winterveldt.

Sisters of Mercy's Sister St. John Enright notes that the Chairman's Fund's long term and holistic support of these initiatives is helping to create a real difference in people's lives.

"In the 1980's when it became clear that new emerging needs in educational development were indicated, the Sisters of Mercy called upon the corporate and business sectors of our society, and received a ready response from the Chairman's Fund.

"Subsequently, the Fund has had an enormous impact on the lives of thousands of people who participate in the projects managed by the Sisters of Mercy, and its support is testimony to what can be achieved when civil society and businesses work together for the development of people."

The religious congregation of the Sisters of Mercy was established in 1831 by Catherine McAuley. Through its Mercy Philosophy of Education, the organisation is committed to holistic development and helping each student achieve their full potential, particularly those who are disadvantaged and marginalised.

Iona Convent, which was founded on the outskirts of Pretoria in 1923, provides educational opportunities for 500 learners per year, from Grade 0 to matric. The school is renowned for its scholastic excellence having obtained a 100% matric pass rate in 2010, and being ranked as the top school in the Tshwane North District.

Chairman's Fund Chairperson Norman Mbazima concludes that the fund's support of Sisters of Mercy is consistent with its overarching philosophy.

"The Chairman's Fund is completely dedicated to creating a real socio-economic difference in the lives of South Africans, and one of the fundamental ways in which we engender this change is supporting meaningful and effective educational initiatives.

"It is this commitment that has guided our consistent support of Sisters of Mercy, and we are proud to help enable its core objectives of affording a new generation of South Africans the skills and expertise required to advance our country's development."

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