SPAR Cares Newsletter Issue 01 (2026): Youth Empowerment, Education, Nutrition, and Women’s Empowerment Across South Africa

Key Highlights

• Page 01 — Editor’s message and the SPAR Cares mission: SPAR emphasizes a purpose that extends beyond retail, highlighting a steady commitment to the communities it serves. The initiative is organized around three core pillars—Education, Nutrition, and Women Empowerment—and thrives through collaboration among retailers, partners, and customers who turn acts of care into lasting community benefits. The message invites pride in collective efforts to build more resilient communities and to demonstrate care through concrete actions. (Page reference: Page 01)
• Page 02–03 — Central Office: From reaction to prevention in school safety (GBV awareness): The Changing Course program, supported by SPAR and delivered by Trulife, equips learners from grades 5–12 with tools to recognize abuse, challenge harmful norms, and seek help. Implemented nationwide across seven provinces, the initiative uses interactive workshops, creative activities, and open dialogue to foster safe spaces for honest conversations. Since its inception, the program has reached over 75,000 learners through SPAR-funded workshops, with concrete outcomes including a 28% rise in learners’ confidence to act against GBV and 82% who can identify how and where to report abuse. A learner’s reflection underscores the real-life impact of recognizing abuse and respecting others. Over the next three years, Trulife plans to broaden reach to about 1,200 schools and 300,000 learners, with accredited teacher training to strengthen school capacity for safe environments. The effort also includes collaboration with Thuthuzela Care Centres to provide trusted support pathways. (Page references: Page 02, Page 03)
• Page 04 — Western Cape: Running for Change and youth empowerment beyond sport: SPAR Western Cape backed a 1,125-kilometre running journey led by Sports for Lives’ Jono Kruger, with community and retailer support along the route. The event introduced Coach-in-a-Box, a mobile program by EduSport Youth that delivers coaching, life skills, and mentorship directly to schools and underserved communities, creating real employment and leadership opportunities. Funds raised support expanding this empowerment model, and the Vula Mdantsane Run route turns SPAR stores into active stops that raise awareness and connect communities from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape. Stores along the way become catalysts for youth development and education, reinforcing SPAR’s role as a community partner. (Page reference: Page 04)

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