Socially responsible corporate citizens encourage the enhancement of the environment and assist in the maintenance of the community in which they operates. Primedia Outdoor, wholly South African owned outdoor advertising media owner, entered into a sponsorship agreement with Johannesburg City Parks (JCP) and Total for the My Dream Park Competition. The campaign prompts inspiring primary school learners to explore, and make the most of the social, ecological and economical benefits of parks in their neighbourhoods.

Living up to their promise to assist the community and environments they care about, Primedia Outdoor, JCP Parks and Total recently hosted a sod turning ceremony at St. Ives Primary School in Klipspruit, the first winning school of the JCP initiative.

Attending the ceremony to kick-start the construction process was Skhumbuzo Nkosi, Deputy Managing Director, Primedia Outdoor, Luther Williamson, JCP Managing Director, Oscar Oliphant, Senior Manager: Stakeholder Liaison, JCP and Zakithi Zama, Total CSI Manager and many dignitaries.

“Primedia Outdoor supported this ecological initiative to show Klipspruit and other communities we care about their well being and the environment we operate in. We want this eco initiative to succeed to encourage young kids towards healthy living. I am excited the construction process is progressing and the scholars will soon have their own dream park. It is heart-warming to see how educated, excited and appreciative these kids are and how something like this means the world to them and can go a long way!” comments Nkosi.

The JCP Parks Competition will benefit the scholars and teachers in several ways, which will invariably echo amongst the communities. The project involves primary school learners in greening and beautifying the environment for all and seeks to grow their creative skills and to be aware of the advantages of working together with a common objective, one of which will be maintaining the park. Another added benefit/advantage is that the teachers can link the environment to essential learning, environmental sensitivity, awareness and involvement.

“My Dream Park Competition was initiated to enable us to build a relationship that can contribute to the society as a whole. It is JCP’s dream to have a park in every school in South Africa. This is the beginning of greater things to come and we will ensure that our environment and the future (kids) are well taken care of. As the first winners of the competition, we trust that St Ives Primary will take pride in the park and use it not only for recreational activities but to also learn about the environment and the ecosystem”, says Luther Williamson.

Modest about the fact that she has always encouraged her students to partake in all activities ranging from sports to arts and academics, Miss Jackson, is a true inspiration to her students as evidenced by the many awards the school has received over the past ten years. “I am really excited about this project and thank Primedia Outdoor, JCP and Total for such a gratifying development. In the eleven years I have been Head at this school, I have never seen my scholars so excited and keen to get involved. This environmental project will keep the learners occupied and off the streets. It’s a dream come true for the school and we look forward to a great partnership”, comments Miss Jackson, St. Ives Primary School Principal.

Commenting on the initiative, Zakithi Zama, Total CSI Manager, adds “Total is synonymous with joint initiatives that involve nature conservation and we hope that our partnership with JCP will flourish and continue to build more parks in other schools nationwide.”

Dedicated to its social responsibility initiatives Primedia Outdoor have committed to be involved in the JCP City Parks project for the next three years. Primedia Outdoor has also donated a billboard in close proximity to the winning school to promote the winning entries.

“We will revisit the school once the park has been built and see how we can further help in making it the student’s initial dream park,” concludes Nkosi.

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