At Prudential Portfolio Managers, we continually measure our social commitment and financial performance to ensure that we meet the needs of both our clients and the community in which we operate. Below is a list of social responsibility initiatives that Prudential Portfolio Managers is involved in: 

·  One-on-One Community Based Programs

The One-On-One Community Based Program took shape as a means of addressing the lack of foundation skills for young, previously disadvantaged people. Based in Leondale, Gauteng, the program co-operates with local parallel medium primary schools for guidance in terms of syllabi used at such schools, whilst seeking accreditation agreements with local universities such as Wits and RAU going forward.

The initial stage involves mathematics on computer-based programs, where the tutor’s intervention is primarily to guide the learner. Programs learners are currently exposed to are IQ Smart [Maths Trek] and CAMI [Computer Aided Mathematics Instruction]. These are targeted at pupils from Grade 0 to Grade 12

The plan has also been designed in such a way that parents would receive feedback on their children’s progress. This project aims to enhance the mathematical skills of students from a very young age, thus building a solid foundation for analytical capability. Over time, tutorial material will be extended to cover other content subjects deemed necessary by the management committee, with the program being rolled out into the Katorus area covering the Katlehong and Vosloorus residential areas.

Prudential has committed to providing the software, hardware [computers] and in-house information technology skills required to make this project a resounding success. Our staff are also involved on a personal level, giving of their own time.  

·  The Homestead

The Homestead [Projects for Street Children] was established in 1982 with the aim of helping street children in Cape Town to rebuild their shattered lives. The design of this program, which has become a model for similar projects throughout South Africa, is based on developmental principles across a variety of projects [currently six in total], as there is no single solution to addressing the problems both children and families face from time to time. These projects are focused on street work and intake shelters, through to more settled residential and educational care, to family reconstruction services.

We strongly believe that these children need to be given a second chance in life, and it is to this end that Prudential Portfolio Managers undertook to fund the educational needs of the Homestead’s approximately 45 school going children. This funding covers various educational requirements such as school fees, uniforms, transport and stationery. Here our staff are also involved on a personal basis, sitting on boards and giving of their own time. 

·  Southern African Bursary Programme administered by the Study Trust

Looking at the fundamentals on which people should become both knowledgeable and effective in their respective fields of specialization, it becomes too apparent that our country still lags behind. The many South Africans who still remain unskilled, under-skilled and poverty struck mirror this reality.

It is for such reasons that Prudential Portfolio Managers has been increasing its commitment to supporting tertiary level students, thus developing a sustainable core of human capital. Prudential Portfolio Managers has, since 1998; sponsored students throughout the Southern African region to study at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

To date we have sponsored the following:

• 8 MBA students [domestic & international]
• 5 Masters students
• 12 students [undergraduate level]
• 7 CFA candidates

Prudential Portfolio Managers believes that in order to achieve individual empowerment and sustainable economic development in this country, the business community needs to strengthen and reaffirm their collective commitment to this course. As our contribution to this objective, Prudential Portfolio Managers plans to continue its educational initiative throughout the region, with a view to creating a platform for effective educational and social development.

·  Vukani Primary School / Edunova

Prudential is providing both capital and expertise in this initiative with Edunova to build Information & Communications Technology [ICT] skills in the Vukani Primary School and its community of Philippi East in the Western Cape. The school has been identified as having an unused ICT Laboratory and what makes this project unique is the hands on approach to upgrade skills of leadership, educators and learners to focus on learning outcomes. 

·  Open Source TuXlabs, North West & Western Cape Provinces

Prudential in partnership with Shuttleworth Foundation & Sahara computers, installed an open source computer lab in 3 schools running maths related educational software: Hermanthebe Secondary School (Rustenberg), Barolong & Boitsenape Primary Schools (Mabatho, Mafikeng).  The project is endorsed by Department of Education (DoE) as part of the government’s Dinaledi schools programme. The maths and science software used in these 3 schools have now been rolled out to all high schools in North West province.  In the Western Cape, also in partnership with the Shuttleworth Foundation, open source computer labs were installed in 10 primary and high schools in the outer Cape Town area.  This has impact approximately 10 000 learners. 

Currently Prudential is providing  5 students with 4 year scholarships.  We are also providing maths support programmes which are targeted at grades 7 - 12 in the Phillippi and Lower Crossroads areas, and  financial literacy programmes to 100 community members also in the Phillipi and Lower Crossroads areas.