Growthpoint Properties, the largest JSE-listed property company in South Africa by market capitalisation and assets, is investing in an exciting Corporate Social Investment initiative aimed at raising awareness of the importance of literacy in local primary schools. The project has the support of the Western Cape Education Department and will take the form of a literacy quiz, called Growsmart, for learners in Grades 4 to 6.

Furthermore, as Growthpoint's property portfolio includes shopping centres, this project presents an opportunity to interact not just with schools and learners, but also with shopping centre communities.

Poor performance in literacy in our schools has become a major issue. The bottom line is that poor literacy has wide-ranging negative effects. It disempowers people. It influences quality of life, education, careers, future prospects and participation in society. In addition to schooling, performance in literacy is influenced by family, home environment, availability of books and libraries, and much more.

The Growsmart initiative aims to promote the importance of a skill that can positively impact the direction of a child's life, and to support those who teach that skill.

Shopping Centre Involvement

The four Growthpoint shopping centres, Golden Acre Shopping Centre, Middestad Mall, Longbeach Mall and The Constantia Village, have all contributed to the success of the programme by 'adopting' a School District in each level of the competition. There are 80 schools participating in the Growsmart literacy programme. These schools are equally divided amongst four Western Cape Education Department School Districts – East (Longbeach Mall), North (Middestad Mall), South (The Constantia Village) and Central (Golden Acre Shopping Centre).

Each shopping centre has kindly provided assistance with staffing and their tenants have sponsored refreshments for supporters and goodie bags for the contestants. In addition, the shopping centres have launched a book collection drive where shoppers can donate new or used children's books. These books will be distributed to the participating schools and learners. Look out for the book collection boxes in each of these centres!