Argo, a multimedia solutions provider, realised that teachers were not being recognised enough for the invaluable role they played within their communities. Staying true to its brand values "to inform, involve and inspire", Argo decided to start the Stars in Education project in 2008. This year the competition is entering its fifth year and has grown steadily. Not only has the number of entries expanded from 12 to more than 150, but the quality and variety of entries has been astonishing; ranging from school vegetable garden projects and children's Christmas parties to soul buddies programmes.
"The Stars in Education campaign focuses on those who go the extra mile (on a non-curricular basis) in their communities by being inspirational role models to all around them and changing lives through their actions," said Lauren Bright, spokesman from Argo for Stars in Education. "This campaign offers sponsors an opportunity to show their support for the key influencers of our future generation, by recognising the crucial role that teachers play in shaping not only learning conditions, but also attitudes of the heart and dreams for the future. Not only does this programme acknowledge the individual teacher, but it also creates a positive ripple effect throughout the communities it touches. Inspiring other teachers to become stars and the call to entry reminds communities that teachers are the most important resource we have."
As Stars in Education has flourished, the initiative has also attracted numerous sponsors, including Mindset Learn, Metro FM, MacMillan and the Transnet Foundation. Stars in Education is extremely proud to welcome their newest sponsors, Cell C and The Star newspaper, which are giving their full support to the project.
"Mindset Learn produces relevant content in multimedia format in order to assist teachers to explain difficult concepts in their classrooms," explained Roith Rajpal, Mindset Network CEO. He had this to say about their involvement in the initiative: "We are excited to be the broadcast partner of Stars in Education, the project that recognises the important role that teachers play in developing communities."
As the success of Stars in Education becomes more apparent, Argo has decided to launch the Future Stars campaign. Partnering brands to help our young people not only to dream of a better future through the wonder of education, but also to help them make those dreams a reality. After all, if the pupils are not inspired to learn, then having motivated teachers will serve little purpose.
To be a part of recognising and building excellence in the education landscape of South Africa, whether it is through the Stars in Education or Future Stars projects, contact Argo sponsorship manager, Lauren Bright on +27 (0)83 577 6622 or mail az.gro.ogra@nerual. For further information go to www.ed.org.za.
Help recognise and build excellence in education by submitting your candidate for the Stars in Education Award. Entries close at the end of August and parents, teachers, students and the public are invited to enter community projects that are managed or have been started by exceptional teachers for the Stars in Education Awards 2012 by contacting Argo on az.gro.ogra@ofni or +27 (0)21 865 2813.
For further information, go to www.ed.org.za.
