A memorandum of understanding signed with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reaffirms SPAR Zimbabwe’s social agenda to contribute to building a better society for all. The initiative is in line with the organisation’s mission statement of ‘Better Together’ and being part of the local communities in which SPAR operates by getting involved at the grassroots level. The memorandum also highlights UNICEF’s engagement with the private sector to provide assistance for children and families in Zimbabwe.
The campaigns will primarily focus on sharing communication to create awareness with customers through SPAR Zimbabwe’s retail network. The first campaign, focusing on diseases such as cholera, began recently. The campaign raises awareness about this type of disease and the preventative measures which can be taken to protect against infection. Measures include handwashing, good hygiene, and the use of safe water.
SPAR Zimbabwe promotes awareness through a variety of social media platforms and in their 35 stores. Communication is based on messages developed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care. These complement campaigns shared by the government, UNICEF and its partners in Zimbabwe.
UNICEF and SPAR Zimbabwe have agreed to extend the cholera awareness campaign for a few more weeks. The two organisations are engaged in discussions about child rights related campaigns to run in the months to come.
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In 1967, Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) became the 13th country to join the SPAR network after signing a license agreement with SPAR International. In 2015, an independent retailer took over the license for the SPAR Brand in Zimbabwe after the previous license holder divested this retail division.
Despite the challenging economic environment, SPAR Zimbabwe continues to grow its store network. It also remains actively involved in the local community, helping to make a difference through charitable and sponsored initiatives.
