Fundi Foundation has just launched a generous and game-changing initiative to help parents to clear their lay-byes on any school uniforms or items of stationery, bought for the new school year. The Foundation has set aside funds at Jet, Pep and Ackermans stores across the country – and is inviting companies and private individuals to follow its lead and amplify the initiative.

Launched this past week, the Fundi Foundation’s lay-bye initiative is already active on Twitter. Through the initiative, the Foundation hopes to bring a little joy and financial ease to parents who haven’t yet managed to pay off the school uniforms or items of stationery bought for their children, for the current academic year.

“We understand the challenges faced by parents in our communities,” says Mala Suriah, the CEO of Fundi. “We want to offer families some extra assistance, especially at this time of the year when households experience real strain.”

Parents at targeted stores in Cape Town and Gqeberha/PE have already been wonderfully surprised – discovering that their lay-byes had been paid off.

Later this week, interventions will begin in Gauteng, KZN, Free State, focusing on stores close to Fundi’s operating offices.

“Many parents face an ongoing struggle between meeting basic needs and making sure their children are ready for school,” says Suriah. “By helping to pay off these lay-byes, parents will have that little bit extra for food, transport or electricity. It all adds up.”

School uniforms and stationery bought on lay-bye at least 10 days before the campaign launch and that still haven’t been paid off due to financial constraints, are eligible for funding through the initiative at any Jet, Pep or Ackermans, in any province of the country.

The Fundi Foundation is inviting companies and the public to join in – by identifying a store and contributing to pay off a lay-bye that meets these same criteria. More details about how to get involved can be found at https://x.com/Official_FUNDI/status/1752230809048588364?s=20

“Don’t underestimate the power of kindness,” says Suriah. “By giving just a little, you’ll help more than you know.”