Every year part of the Socio Economic Development plan a school close to the airport that fits the requirements for funding is identified. This year stationery for all levels of learners at La Mercy Primary was sponsored. Colin Naidoo, Communications and Brand Manager said, “As part of the ‘Back to School’ project the airport prefers not to expect schools to come to them but for ACSA to go out and identify a school that needs help, we certainly understand the challenges that are faced by the Department of Education specifically at the beginning of the school year and we want to make a small difference in the lives of these learners. We strongly believe that as this school is close to the airport it is our duty to support and nurture the education of these learners. As they are the future leaders, we certainly would want to see some of these learners making the airport their career of choice.” Naidoo continued, “Our role at schools like La Mercy Primary is to ensure that the stationery is issued to each learner and that it will assist them for the entire year. But our visit is to also understand the challenges of the school and without making any promises evaluate if it will be possible to further assist the school. Our airport will continue to try and make a positive difference to the lives of communities that support the airport like La Mercy Primary. On behalf of King Shaka International Airport we would like to thank Mrs Govender and her team and especially every learner for welcoming us to your school. We pray and hope that our contribution of stationery to La Mercy Primary will help you to learn more, become better learners.” La Mercy Primary School is graded as a quintile five school by the KZN Department of Education. This means that funding from the province is minimal, which is just enough to pay for the utility bills and salaries. Most of the learners attending the school come from the surrounding informal settlements. Many of these learners are orphans, who come from child headed households. The children live below the bread line and are unable to purchase stationery or provide for school uniforms.