Pandora partners with Ayanda-Allie Paine to help support SA's youth

International jewellery company Pandora launched a local campaign in which a percentage of every sale of the new Love SA Charm, specially created for the South African market, will aim to empower and uplift the youth in South Africa through partnerships with women who are making a difference.

The first partnership is with Ayanda-Allie Paine, media personality, businessperson and community development practitioner, who founded the non-profit organisation Bukho Bami Youth Centre in 2014 in Dobsonville, Soweto to offer young people educational and psychosocial support.

The youth centre provides afterschool care to senior high school pupils, which includes extramural activities and the essential learning reinforcement that will help them succeed in difficult circumstances.

Bukho Bami also aims to give unemployed youth who are out of school valuable skills by providing training and development programmes in information communication technology, baking and sewing.

"The education system is sadly failing many young people who have great potential. We are here to help. Our team of dedicated volunteers go to great lengths to assist youths in under-resourced communities to further their education, enter scarce skills fields, become employable and attain employment or become entrepreneurs," says Paine.

"We’re so excited to be partnering with Pandora, a brand known for the ability to inspire individuality in multi-faceted women, and for celebrating unique moments,” she adds.

"They will be making a meaningful contribution by supporting Bukho Bami and helping young people to achieve those special milestones, including graduating from high school and starting their careers," she says.

"Good corporate citizenship is key for Pandora," says Cathy Qama, marketing manager of Pandora South Africa. "Just as we are committed to manufacturing products responsibly, so too are we dedicated to supporting those who are also making an impact in their communities."

"Through Bukho Bami, Ayanda-Allie Paine is a shining example of a woman who not only achieves her own success, but reaches out to pull others up with her. It’s a privilege to be able to support Ayanda and the young people at Bukho Bami, together with your help," Qama adds.

The Love SA Charms are available in stores and online for R799 each. Pandora South Africa has 30 stores in South Africa with over 200 staff members.

For more information, visit www.pandorashop.co.za. You can also follow Pandora South Africa on Facebook or on Twitter.