Bata

Born in 1994 as an initiative of the Forum of Presidents of the Chamber of Commerce of Santa Fe de Bogota, embodied in an education project led by business partners and educational institutions to help improve the quality of education in the country. Manisol enjoyed this project by taking a college located near to the factory, Cyprus Institute; this college has been working on this project and has made great achievements. With the group of pro-quality, Teachers of the Institute leading the project, have conducted a series of meetings in which it has been raising the need to broaden the educational experience through business experience. Young people have the opportunity of a lifetime-experiencing as a employee of our company the rules, duties and rights that real employees have.

Bata Colombia's Manisol company proudly celebrates the achievements of two outstanding individuals-the competitive runners Guillermo Osorio and Juan Guillermo Osorio. Guillermo Osorio is the Power ambassador, sponsored by Manisol on behalf of Power. The father-and-son team recently participated in the Carrera Atlética Navideña, a "Christmas race" that is held annually in Manizales. Among the group of 90 participants, in which runners of all ages were represented, both father and son finished first in their respective categories: Guillermo, 54, won in the "50-59 years" category, while Juan was the winner in the "elite" category.

Passionate about their sport, the two athletes train often and bring great determination and commitment to their discipline. They enthusiastically took the Manizales race in stride with the idea that it was part of their training, despite the fact that it was a formal and highly challenging race.

We look forward to receiving updates on Guillermo's future successes!

Bata Shoe Foundation Donation

BATA SHOE FOUNDATION donation towards enhancing the education of children of Manufactura Boliviana SA (Manaco) employees.

Following the visit of Thomas G. Bata last week, The Bata Shoe Foundation has made a donation of US $10,000 to the Escuela Thomas Bata Foundation in order to update some of the facilities and classrooms. The Bata Shoe Foundation was established by the Bata Family to support the training and further education of young people normally associated with the Bata Shoe Organisation.

Manaco Company (Manufactura Boliviana S.A.) will also make an important contribution towards the same goal.

The Escuela Thomas Bata Foundation was created on January 12th, 1963 in Quillacollo town and is owned and operated by Manaco. It has 46 years of uninterrupted service to the community. The school has grown from 180 students to more than 300 now offering grades 1 to 8. Most of the children are from employees of Manaco who pay no tuition fees. In addition Manaco provides some scholarships to other students from the Quillacollo region.

The operating of the school and these recent donations reflect both the spirit of the founder Thomas Bata and Manaco to support education and in this manner contribute to the Bolivian society and the development of future generations.

Bihar, India has faced its worst ever disaster of recent times. The embankment along the Kosi River in northern Bihar was broken, completely drowning towns and numerous villages. The flood has ravaged the lives of almost 5 million people in the state. It’s impossible to even estimate the magnitude of the damage caused and the lives that have been lost, as millions are stranded in marooned areas where no relief effort has been able to reach.

Bata India has always been active in caring for their communities. Bata India endeavors to make a positive contribution to the underprivileged communities by supporting a wide range of social initiatives. For Bata India it has always been a matter of great pride to be able to lessen the sufferings of the people. Many of the community projects and programs are driven by active participation from Bata India employees.

Therefore, in a bid to support relief efforts in the state of Bihar, the management and staff of Bata India factories have made a contribution of two days salary to the Bihar Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and also a separate contribution was given by Bata India to the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in support of this human cause.

Bata Sri Lanka Continues to Encourage Cricketers

Bata Sri Lanka co-sponsored the year's most colourful evening for young cricketers, the Bata - Sunday Times School Boy Cricketer of the Year 2009 Awards Ceremony for the 30th consecutive year in Colombo, Sri Lanka recently. The event was in collaboration with a leading Sunday Newspaper - The Sunday Times, for media sponsorship. It was given tremendous publicity without any restriction by the media (newspapers / television / radio), which undoubtedly had an excellent impact on the Bata brand.

Bata Sri Lanka is proud to mention that most of the yesteryear winners of this competition are today’s extraordinary performers on the Sri Lanka National Cricket team.

The selection process, which continues throughout the cricket season is closely monitored by a panel of judges comprising members of the Umpires Association. Many press conferences and communication pamphlets are sent out throughout the year to keep the readers / participants apprised of the situation.

Guests of the award ceremony were entertained with music and dancing throughout the evening. Jubilation was had by all as a sea of heads were swaying in their seats and people were dancing in the isles.

This sponsorship partnership provides tremendous publicity for the Company and lends excellent support to the Bata brand.

Oxford University Guests Visit Bata Bangladesh

Linda M. Scott, Professor of Marketing, Said Business School, University of Oxford recently visited Bata Bangladesh with her team to study the Rural Sales Programme (RSP) of Bata Bangladesh, which is operated in conjunction with CARE Bangladesh.

The objective of the programme is to improve the lives of rural women and their families. Bata and CARE work together to help increase the income generating capacity of women and create new job opportunities, through the sale of Bata products offering door-to-door service in the rural areas of northern & southern Bangladesh.

The RSP started in 2005 as a pilot project in the ‘Natore’ District with 49 saleswomen. These saleswomen are called ‘Aparajita’, a Bengali word that stands for women who never accept defeat. They buy from the nearest designated Bata Wholesale Depot via cash through hubs. Each saleswoman has been provided with a sample bag, shoe catalogue, badge, foot print to measure the shoe size of their customers, an umbrella & a copy of the regular training programme produced by Bata.

The RSP initiative operates out of institutions called ‘Hubs’ (like shops). Each region has a main hub, further divided into sub-hubs within any given region. A typical hub consists of a hub manager who oversees hub operations. Each hub distributes products to the ‘Aparajitas’ and maintain sales records. ‘Aparajitas’ receive commission on their sales. Each hub employs service personnel to ensure product availability, decreased transportation costs, etc.

The Oxford team met with Mr. Douglas Hearns, Company Manager and Mr. M.A. Quader, Marketing Manager of Bata Bangladesh for a presentation meeting on the RSP. During their visit they were also introduced to the various footwear manufacturing operations in the Bata factory. They expressed their satisfaction regarding the quality of products and overall excellent environment existing in the factory. Tariqul Alam, RSP Officer of Bata Bangladesh and Shaikh Saif Al Rashid, Program Manager, Economic Development Unit of CARE Bangladesh were also present.

'B.First Colour Your Dream' Competition

Recently Bata Bangladesh organized an art competition entitled - B.First 'Colour your Dream', in which more than 2,500 school children participated. The students were from various schools including; Master Mind, Viqarunnessa Noon School, Udayan High School, Scholastica, BAF Shaheen School, Little Angels, Oxford, Base School, S.F.X. Green Herald International and Tiny Tots. There was a panel of five judges who selected 15 winners. Prizes including Bata gift hampers with shoes, socks and school accessories as well as family tickets to Fantasy Kingdom Amusement Park were awarded to the winners.

Mr. Douglas Hearns, Managing Director of Bata Bangladesh distributed the prizes among the winners of the competition. Marketing Manager Mr. M.A. Quader, Head of Human Resources Mr. M. Habibur Rahman, Retail Manager, S.A.M. Yousuf, Advertising and Promotion Manager Mr. Zahidul Huda, distinguished guests, parents of the winners and Journalists were present at the award ceremony.

Bata Thailand has been involved in a World Vision project, supporting poor children for the 'Back to School' period for the past six years. In 2007 the Bata Thailand Wholesale department distributed 70,000 pairs of school shoes and 100,000 pairs of socks directly to the children. This year they have also had an additional order of 35,000 backpacks and are looking to do more business next year. In total, since 2002 Bata Thailand has supplied over 420,000 pairs of school shoes and over 600,000 pairs of socks to World Vision.

Along with the merchandise Bata Thailand provided services such as size fitting and direct distribution to the individual schools and students.

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. They receive donations from around the world and with such international support projects like this go a long way in helping the children.

In 2006 World Vision operated in nearly 100 countries around the world. They have approximately sixty branch offices in Thailand, which work very closely with the local communities and poor children. For more information see the World Vision International website.

Bata Gives Back...To West Sumatra, Indonesia

An earthquake hit Padang, West Sumatra on September 30th, 2009, registering 7.6 on the Richter scale. This devastating event caused the loss of hundreds of lives and total destruction to the area. Buildings collapsed, schools were destroyed, forcing the survivors to live in temporary emergency shelters and tents with limited food and water supplies.

Roads were blocked with debris of stones and rocks and as well by land slides, causing significant trouble and delays to supply aid and assistance.

As a responsible corporate citizen of the Padang community, Bata Indonesia rushed to give aid to the survivors who took refuge at three orphanages in Padang. The local Bata team in Padang quickly gathered all information regarding the refugees' conditions and the kind of supplies needed. Quick action was then taken in order to meet their needs and to provide assistance.

Bata Indonesia contributed shoes and food such as rice and instant noodles for the victims. Nearly 500 families along with the orphanage kids and caretakers were gathered in one event. “We, Bata Indonesia, were deeply affected by the hurt and lost that Padang experienced. As a part of the community, we felt responsible to help. After all we are one big family here in Bata Indonesia.” said Mr. Alberto Errico (Bata Indonesia, Company Manager).

Bata Indonesia Supports Local Youth Basketball

When Bata Indonesia moved its head office to the new location, it automatically became part of the local community. In this regard, Bata Indonesia feels proud and honoured to provide support and have a positive impact on the area.

A few hundred yards away from the Bata Building, there lies a small Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), where a group of teenagers usually get together for sport activities.

The YMCA is more than day camp, child care, sports, fitness or youth programs. It is a worldwide family of over 120 autonomous national movements committed to building a positive future for youth and families. The YMCA, founded in London, England, in 1844, is one of the largest social service organizations in the world, responding to the diverse needs of individuals in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

The YMCA currently serves over 45 million youth and families worldwide. In countries throughout the world, YMCA programs respond to local needs identified by each national YMCA movement. The YMCA is open to all faiths, races, abilities, ages and incomes...YMCA International.

Every year the Municipality of Jakarta holds a Basketball tournament in which Multinational Companies participate and support the local teenagers through the YMCA. This is one of many activities that Bata Indonesia supports.

The tournament was held late last year, and there were 20 Multinational Companies who participated with sponsorship including; HSBC, Carrefour, Unilever, Nestle, BP, Adidas, Standard Chartered, Citibank, Commonwealth and many others.

“Although our team did not make it to the finals, we are proud to give a positive contribution to the society especially for the teenagers who do sports activities. We try our best to keep these kids off the streets and staying as far away from drugs as possible.” said Mr. Alberto Errico, Company Manager of Bata Indonesia.

Bata Singapore Supports NTUC Back-to-School Fair

Back-to-School is one of the most important commercial events for Bata Singapore. In that period, all parents buy school uniforms, text books, school shoes, school bags & other school related items for their children. But Bata Singapore also cares for the society and strives to do what it can to give those less fortunate children a better future.

Every year, the Singapore National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) have a partnership with selected retailers to cooperate in helping needy families. They distribute vouchers to the families and they organize a Back-to-School Fair for the families to utilize those vouchers.

Last year, the total number of children who benefited from the fair reached almost 53,000. The whole budget for the programme was S$5.5 million. The children received NTUC vouchers to purchase school shoes, bags, uniforms, and other items at the fair. During the fair, the assigned retailers had to provide value for money products to the recipients.

Since 2005, Bata Singapore has been the only shoe retailer selected to participate in this NTUC Back-to-School fair. Last year, the 2-day fair took place in December in three strategic locations in Singapore. On the first day of the fair, NTUC Alignment Director, Mr. Zainudin Nordin, was invited to launch the fair by giving a opening speech. He said, “Children are the future of tomorrow, as well as the future of Singapore’s working population. Providing them with a level opportunity in education is important, and this is why we have concentrated part of our funds in this Back-to-School area.” Recipients of the Back-to-School vouchers went on an enthusiastic buying spree of essential school items offered at special prices at the Back-to-School Fair from participating vendors. Not only could the vouchers be used during the fair but they can also be used up to the end of February 2010.

With the success of this Back-to-School event for Bata Singapore, the local TV media (MediaCorp) came out with a Back-to-School news report in December 2009. Mr. Paolo Grassi was interviewed by the reporter and the interview was broadcast on-air. The interview discussed the Bata promotion for the NTUC Back-to-School event, the parents' spending preferences, the market response and sales expectations for this event.

On May 2nd and 3rd, 2008 in no time at all, the unannounced Cyclone 'Nargis' hit the Irrawaddy Delta region of Myanmar very hard, leaving more than 133,000 people dead or missing.

The residents of Angu, a farming and fishing community and one of the many small villages that make up the Irrawaddy Delta, were in a state of shock. "We have no money. We have no food, no water, and no shelter." said a 61-year-old grandmother, Khin from Angu, Myanmar.

After hearing this touching story, Bata Singapore reacted without hesitation. They gathered their resources and worked with the International Red Cross Society through the Myanmar Embassy in Singapore.

A group of Bata colleagues including Operations Manager, Evelyn Kwok, Area Manager, Edmund Tan, Visual Merchandising Manager, Jimmy Lim and team were at the warehouse on their own time. They helped pack and assemble the shoes for the mission.

“It is disheartening to know that the world is filled with many such cases of disasters but we will do our best to help.” said Evelyn Kwok.

Bata Singapore shares the same sentiments as Evelyn. They have vowed to do their best in helping their neighbouring countries and make the world a better place for all.

Bata Singapore's partners in the Myanmar Embassy in Singapore also expressed their appreciation through a thank you email to Chief Executive Officer, Bata Emerging Markets, Mr. Rino Rizzo and Bata Singapore itself for the generous contribution.

Bata & Temasek College Launch Design Competition

In May, Bata Singapore successfully collaborated with Temasek Junior College to launch a shoe design competition. The rationale of the competition was to raise youth involvement, to develop and display their artistic and creative talents. The competition successfully provided an opportunity to motivate the participants to benchmark and improve. The competition reached out to 17 Primary Schools and Junior Colleges in the South East Community Development Council. There were more than 100 participating students with the age ranges in three different categories. The categories were ages 10 – 12, ages 13 – 15 and ages 16 – 18.

The theme for the competition was “Asia” and required participants to interpret the theme by decorating one white canvas Bata shoe. Participants were allowed to use their techniques and a variety of materials like Fabric, Acrylic Paint, Brushes, Needles, Threads, Beads, Glitter, etc. to express their creativity.

Being the main school shoe partner, Bata Singapore sponsored in total 200 pairs of white canvas shoes to the participants. The top three winners in each category were awarded with S$200, S$150 and S$100 Bata Gift Cards. Bata Singapore's Children's Buyer, Ms. Tan Bee Bee was one of the judges for the competition. “It was really hard for me to be a judge in the competition. I have to appraise the entire art work base on the participants’ skills, creativity and interpretation of the theme and select the top three winners in each category. Each art work showed a wonderful uniqueness. I am very impressed that these pieces were created by Primary and Junior College students!”

At the end of the competition, Mr. Heng Swee Kiang, the teacher of Fine Arts Department in Temasek Junior College, concluded that the competition was a very successful one. Giving a chance for the next competition, the organizer would like to hold the competition on a larger scale, to reach out to all schools in Singapore rather than only a select few. Ultimately, they hope to work with Bata Singapore again for another event in the near future.

More Kids Infotainment Adventures in Singapore

With the success of the debut Kids Infotainment Adventure in August 2008, Bata Singapore kept up the spirit and conducted five adventure sessions with groups of Cambridge Kindergarten students in the month of March 2009.

During the sessions, children aged two to six years old came to Bata Singapores flagship store, “Peninsula Plaza”. They took the children on a tour through the three floors of the store, introducing them to all kinds of shoe categories. Additionally, they offered the students a chance to feel various shoe upper materials and components.

Educational talks on the shoes started when the children gathered in the Bubblegummers playground area on the basement floor. The talk was conducted by Bata Singapore’s School Shoe buyer, Ms. Rosalind Kwok. She went through intensively with the children the different categories of children’s shoes, showing the various raw materials used to make the shoes. She reviewed the technique of how to choose a pair of comfortable shoes and eventually, the proper way to take care of them.

To ensure that the children fully understood the lesson, Rosalind even conducted a “question and answer” session with them, to test them on what she had taught to make sure the children received a comprehensive knowledge about Bata School shoes.

In addition, an exciting activity had been incorporated in the session for the children, to participate in a coloring contest on white canvas shoes. The children enjoyed themselves tremendously by showing off their creativity to draw and paint the shoes. The top three winners of the coloring contest were awarded with Bata Gift Cards. The painted shoes were retained by the children for their memorable moment with Bata. Being an established footwear retailer, Bata Singapore would like the children to grow up with Bata and always remember Bata when they think about shoes.

Last but not least, each child was given a Bata goody bag including lollipops, coloring pens, stickers and Bubblegummers vouchers. “I will ask Mummy to bring me back to Bata to buy Bubblegummers shoes and I can come back and play at the Bubblegummers playground again” said five year old Jimmy.

The Cambridge Kindergarten School Principal, Ms. Lillian was impressed that Bata Singapore was committed to do such social service to the community and would like to conduct more educational classes in the near future.

Bata Australia Offers Samoa Tsunami Relief

On September 29th, 2009 a deadly tsunami hit the shores of the islands of Samoa. Almost 200 people have died and many more are still missing or injured. The amount of damage that was done is overwhelming for such small, remote islands. Homes, schools and places of business were all destroyed. Thousands of survivors have been left with nothing. Mrs. Rona Russell a retired Bata Australia employee lost 11 of her extended family members in the disaster.

Rona came to see Mr. Steve Davies, Bata Australia Company Manager, she needed help. She had made an appeal to the people in the Frankston City area to help the survivors of the Tsunami. She had collected a garage full of non-perishable goods but needed assistance getting the goods to Samoa.

In response to Rona's request Mr. Davies states, “We arranged for a container and spoke to our shipping company to help with the cost; we also donated footwear & gumboots for the appeal.”

Rona had worked for Bata Australia for over 30 years and only retired a few years ago. She regularly pops into the company to keep in touch with her friends. Even though Rona is retired she is a fulltime volunteer for 'Meals-On-Wheels’, cooks for the homeless and helps in age care programs in the Frankston area. Rona plans to visit Samoa to help distribute the goods when they arrive.

Bata Australia Lends a Helping Hand

Australia experienced its worst natural disaster in history as bush fires raged across the state of Victoria. Over 500,000 acres were burnt, thousands of homes were destroyed and at least 181 people dead.

Bata Australia has donated footwear through the Red Cross appeal.

Aid with a local touch

Herald Sun

February 14, 2009

LITTLE Jack Sutton is more than happy to break in a pair of new boots.

It beats walking around on the ash and debris that covers the soil of his old Kinglake neighborhood.

The three-year-old joined bushfire survivors young and old at Whittlesea Community Centre yesterday to collect much needed clothing, boots and other essentials.

Bata Kenya Donates 26.5 Tons Of Food

For the better part of 2008 and 2009, Kenya has been hit by prolonged drought and famine. This sad reality has threatened the lives of close to 10 million people in the country who are faced with the possibility of starvation.

Due to this precarious position of food shortages in the country, His Excellency The President of Kenya Hon. Mwai Kibaki declared the famine as a national disaster and sent an International SOS for food aid to alleviate the suffering and prevent possible deaths of Kenyan’s, especially children and women. It was in response to this that Bata Kenya donated the food.

On the 4th of April 2009 Bata Kenya donated and distributed food worth more than one million Kenya Shillings i.e. 26.5 tons of maize flour to the residents of Mavoloni in Yatta District.

Yatta District is one of the arid regions in the country that is prone to famine and drought and has had crop failures for three consecutive years. Rivers in this region have also dried up making it one of the most deserving regions in the country.

The distribution ceremony gave food to more than five thousand families and was presided over by the Managing Director of Bata Kenya Mr. Nasir Rafique, Yatta area Member of Parliament Hon. Charles Kilonzo, The District Commissioner for Yatta and the entire Provincial Administration in the district were also represented. The function received extensive, positive media coverage. This goodwill gesture by Bata was well received by the recipients, some of whom had gone for days without a meal.

For the third year running, Bata Zambia has continued with its dedicated support to the Mundawanga Wildlife and Botanical Garden situated 20 kilometers south of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia.

Mundawanga which was established in 1950 is the country’s sole environmental education and interpretation facility promoting a broader understanding, knowledge, sustainable use, care and appreciation of the environment. As an established sanctuary for wild animals it is currently looking after 32 endangered species of mammals, birds and reptiles.

This significant institution however depends on supporters to run and Bata, along with a dedicated team of institutions such as Fedex, Born Free, The David Shepherd Conservation Foundation, Barclays Bank etc. have helped to keep the Mundawanga running.

For the past three years Bata Zambia has been providing safety footwear to the Gardeners and Game Keepers, gestures which are always appreciated by Mundawanga Management. While handing over the protective footwear Bata Zambia Human Resources Manager Mr. Howard Mwindula, stressed that Bata will always remain proud to be involved and committed to any initiatives that are aimed at conserving nature for the benefit of future generations. Mr. Mwindula further noted that Mundawanga is a well established wildlife park, sanctuary and botanical garden which deserves support in its endeavor to acquire, propagate, exhibit, conserve and care for indigenous and exotic flora and fauna for the benefit of the community and future generations.

Zambia like many other African nations has been adversely affected by the world’s most devastating HIV pandemic. With one in every six adults living with HIV the death toll has risen to almost 100,000 per annum. HIV's worst impact is with those in their most productive years and as families have disintegrated, thousands of vulnerable children have been left destitute. It has been projected that the number of HIV orphans in Zambia could rise to 974,000 by 2014.

It is out of this gruesome looking future that the Country has recorded an increase in the number of Non Governmental Organizations that are working hard in mitigating the impact of this HIV pandemic. On Friday October 20th, 2006 Bata Zambia contributed in a humble way with a donation of footwear, school uniforms (shirts) and maize meal to SOS Children’s Village of Zambia Trust.

SOS Children’s Village which has been active in the field of children’s needs, welfare and rights since 1949 and which operates in more than 132 countries first started its operations in Zambia in August 1999.

The village is currently offering support to approximately 3,900 children through an outreach program with 24 hour family based care. While handling over the donation the Acting Managing Director, Mr. Alex Ndirangu implored the organization to continue with its selfless and relentless effort in alleviating the plight of the vulnerable children whom he said with proper upbringing will make great future leaders.

Upon receiving the donation the Patron Mr. Mwanakatwe also former board member of Bata Zambia for 24 years thanked management for a generous gesture and hoped the corporate world can emulate Bata’s generosity. He said the donation helped to wipe the tears and put a smile on the faces of the orphaned children at the SOS Village.

Zambia for the first time in 50 years has been hit by devastating floods resulting in the destruction of crops and leaving millions homeless. In response to this calamity Bata Zambia through Mr. Rino Rizzo, Bata Emerging Markets Group President, donated bags of maize meal and gumboots to Zambia’s First Lady, Mrs. Maureen Mwanawasa to be distributed to flood victims. Mrs. Mwanawasa stressed that food security will be Zambia’s biggest challenge in the wake of the floods and Bata Zambia had done a commendable gesture in donating the staple food.

In her opening remarks the First Lady asked to be excused for digressing from the main topic of the day and went on to say, “First of all before I comment about the donation, I just want to appreciate the transformation I have seen in Bata Zambia, I am sure most of you will agree with me that Bata Zambia is now stocking competitive, fashionable shoes unlike in the past few years where fashion shoes could not be found in Bata. If you visited Bata today and other Bata stores worldwide they are competing very well with other shoe makers and I would therefore like to congratulate you on this positive transformation we have seen in this country”.

Mr. Rizzo said that Bata will remain committed to contributing to the well-being of mankind in all nations where it operates and that Bata felt duty bound in donating to flood victims. Mr. Rizzo in conclusion said floods needed everyone’s involvement because of their devastating effects not only to human beings but to development in general.

Box 1120 Gweru Zimbabwe
Tel. 00263 54 228263 00263 54 228263
Gertrude@cajj.com

Dear Mr. Duthie,
The biggest Christmas event for our children every year is visiting BATA; a swim in the pool, a big lunch and father Christmas making a visit with new shoes for all.

In a few months the little ones will be starting to ask when we shall go to BATA again.

We all thank you and the BATA Shoe Company very much. The children thank you for the super party and the committee for the big financial help, by providing all our children with shoes.

We wish you a happy Christmas and a blessed new year.

In the name of the children, staff and committee of the Midlands Children's Home.
Gertrud Scheu
Trustee

The Bata Primary School in Gweru, Zimbabwe is in need of rejuvenation. The library book assortment needs to be refreshed with English children's books, picture books or famous writers’ novels in English. If you are interested in offering your help you can organize a book collection drive in your company or directly send a few of your own books to Mr. Nugget Farai Kenny Manyima, Bata Primary School, Box No. 279, Gweru, Zimbabwe.

The Bata primary school was built in 1955 and now contains 16 classrooms. The school is entirely operated and supported by the Zimbabwe Bata Shoe Company and is operated according to the statutory requirements of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture.

The school runs double classes from Grades 1 to 7 with 26 qualified teachers attending to 884 students per year including non-employees’children.

The results of the school on the Grade 7 National examination for the last 10 years averages a 98.9% pass rate, which makes it one of the best schools among the 600 nationwide. This is a clear testimony to the effectiveness of the education provided.

The curriculum includes all subjects as per government requirements as well as extra curricular activities such as Drama and Debate, Rugby, Swimming, or Music to name a few. The school also undertakes educational tours to places of educational value in an attempt to marry theory with practice. The school takes advantage of the nation-wide locations of the Bata shops in that through the retail management, Bata personnel in the visited areas arrange and prepare for the school visits.

As part of their community-uplifting programme, Bata Futura's Loskop manufacturing plant has been conducting practical training for the electrical engineering students from the Enkomokazini Technical High School. At the onset of this project, teachers from the school approached Mr. Vis Moodley, Loskop Plant Manager for assistance with their practicals. The result was a very successful partnership.

Enkomokazini Technical High School encourages not only male students but also female students to embark on a career in Electrical Engineering. During these visits to the factory, students spend time with qualified electricians dismantling and re-assembling electrical machinery.

The students are very happy with these practical sessions, and have expressed their desire for them to continue. Currently these sessions take place once a week on Thursdays for a two hour period. However, at the request of the school Bata Futura is willing to increase them.

The ultimate objective of the training is to have the students be able to read and understand wiring diagrams. They are learning how to wire a circuit board according to diagrams and test the flow of current from 12v, 220v and 380v, as well as how to start and stop directly on the line circuit and how to run a motor.

A brief report by the Enkomokazini Technical High School about the practical electrician work conducted at and sponsored by the Bata Futura Shoe Company.

Executive Summary

This project was started in partnership with the Enkomokazini Technical High School and the Bata Futura Company and was aimed at exposing the electricity learners to the practicality of the subject matter covered in class using the workshops at the Futura company. The students were able to put the information learned in class into practice and learn more about electrical equipment and its function.

Purpose:

• To help the learners obtain the best results in electricity
• To equip the learners with electrical machines, motors, domestic installation and electronic components
• To enable the learners to pursue their careers in electricity without having to go to tertiary institutions
• To enable the electricity teachers to achieve good results without extra costs involved in accessing equipment
• To be a part of the Bata Futura company community (give back project).

Achievements:

• Excellent results; have achieved and maintained a 100% pass rate for 3 consecutive years
• Have produced effective electrician employees without tertiary qualifications
• Electricity teachers have received certificates of merit from the department of education.

SWOT Analysis:

Strengths

• The unconditional support received from the management at Bata Futura
• The staff members being equally supportive by dedicating their time in taking the learners through practical exercises
• The interest this project has developed among electricity learners
• The overall success of this program

Weaknesses

• It is a bit of an inconvenience for learners to go outside of the school for practical exercises

Opportunities

• Makes the life of the learners much easier at tertiary level as compared to their fellow students because they understand electricity theoretically and practically

Threats

• No threats as yet.

Congratulations to Bata Futura for their support of community education!

Bata Futura donated 108 pairs of school shoes to a local children's home for their 'Back-to-School 2007' project. The Malvern Children's Home is registered to cater for 120 children. These children are placed into their care by the Children's Court, who has found them to be either severely traumatized or emotionally injured and suffering due to varying reasons. The home sent photos together with a letter to Bata Futura stating "without support from companies like yours, the Children's Home would not be able to fulfil its purpose adequately."