Pharma Dynamics CEO kicks off Tutudesk Covid-19 Challenge with R1.2m pledge

As millions of learners return to school during the Covid-19 outbreak, Erik Roos, CEO of Pharma Dynamics, is donating a further R1.2m toward the Tutudesk project, which will give thousands more learners access to a desk. These Tutudesks also contain important Covid-19-related education messaging, designed to ensure that the beneficiary children and their communities are, and remain, constantly informed as to how best to stay safe during the pandemic.

To build on the campaign, Roos is challenging other business executives to do the same.

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Unprecedented times

“We are living in unprecedented times, which has caused a global disruption in many sectors, including education. As captains of industry, we have the dual means to change the impact of the pandemic and make a long-lasting, positive difference to millions of learners throughout our country by supporting the Tutudesk campaign.

“Research shows that the provision of Tutudesks to learners facilitate sharp, immediate improvements in multiple areas relating to literacy development and academic performance. Eighty percent of teachers cite an improvement in learners’ handwriting, 77% says it has made learning easier for their students and that they are able to teach more effectively. There is also an overall 65% improvement in homework delivery as the desks are portable and can be taken home.

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Level the playing field

“While many learners may have desks, books, internet connectivity, a laptop or tablet at home or school, the reality is that so many others don’t. We need to, urgently and wherever possible, minimise the differences in opportunities and level the playing field in order to facilitate and expand learning and not allow the Covid-19 crisis to have an even larger, detrimental impact on the learning of less-fortunate children and youth.

“Providing learners in impoverished areas with Tutudesks is an immediate and effective way in which CEOs and business leaders can respond – at grassroots level – to immediately improve learning during the crisis, as well as constantly inculcating Covid-19 educational messaging to ensure the safety of the most vulnerable members of our society.

“I am calling on all CEO’s to join us in supporting this vitally important initiative. Let’s give our youth the best chance of staying engaged in learning amid the pandemic,” encourages Roos.

Roos’ goal is to generate in excess of R8m in funding to gift learners with another 50,000 Tutudesks during the third school term.

To participate in Pharma Dynamics’ Tutudesk Covid-19 Challenge, interested companies or philanthropic organisations can contact Pharma Dynamics at az.oc.scimanydamrahp@ofni.