Cotton On Foundation

This World Food Day, we’re celebrating the power of a meal to make a difference. Together, we’ve helped provide more than 40 million meals to students in Uganda, Thailand and South Africa, supporting access to two nutritious meals a day. Because food does more than nourish. It gives students the energy to learn, grow and stay in school. And with your support, we’re helping create more opportunities for young people to thrive, one meal at a time.

From one young writer to many When Maria, a student at Bunjako Primary School in Uganda, wrote The Good Poison, she probably didn’t know quite where her story would lead. Inspired by a traditional folktale shared within her community, Maria developed her story with the support of Ugandan author Oscar Ranzo and illustrator Phillip Nsamba. It ultimately became a published children’s book — and prompted a bigger question for us at Cotton On Foundation: How do we create the conditions for more young people to discover themselves as readers, writers and storytellers? Literacy is a priority identified by the schools we work alongside in Uganda. Children begin their education learning in a familiar local language before transitioning to English as the language of instruction. Building strong foundations in reading, while creating more opportunities for children to read, write and tell stories, is an important part of their learning journey. That starts with listening to what schools and teachers need, and working alongside local partners to help make lasting change possible. From supporting teachers with new ways to build literacy skills, to providing ongoing guidance and resources, our focus is on making these practices part of everyday school life. Maria’s story gave us an opportunity to take that thinking further. Together with Oasis Book Project and district government, the Rising Writers Program is inviting children across COF-supported schools to listen to a traditional folktale shared by a parent, grandparent or elder; and then become the writer who carries that story forward. Ten young writers will take part in a five-day residency, receiving mentorship to develop their stories, with selected works ultimately published. It brings together literacy, creativity and Uganda’s rich oral storytelling traditions, while creating space for a new generation of young writers to find their voice. Maria helped show us what’s possible. Now, we’re working to create the conditions for many more.

Small actions can create real change. This International Day of Charity, we’re celebrating the customers who choose to get involved, give back and help make an impact. Because every product purchased, every donation and every act of good adds up. Thanks to Cotton On and our customers, we’re creating change together, across education, mental health, the environment and First Nations communities. #cottononfoundation

More than just a tote. 🌼 Our latest tote bag collaboration celebrates Aboriginal artist Aimee McCartney of Luruk-In and her artwork Murnong ‘Yam Daisy’, which honours the connection between Country, culture and community. Inspired by the land, native plants and knowledge passed down through generations, the artwork brings an important story of culture and connection into a contemporary space. We’re proud to work with First Nations artists and storytellers, creating opportunities for their voices, creativity and culture to be shared with our global community. A small canvas can carry a powerful story. And this is one we’re proud to carry forward. #CottonOnFoundation

Another amazing moment to connect our global team with the impact their having for Cotton On Foundation 👏

Temporary classrooms mean one thing: more room to learn, thrive and have fun. At Kamazzi Primary School in Uganda, students have moved into newly built temporary classrooms, allowing construction on their new school to officially begin. While the old school is being demolished, learning doesn’t stop. These classrooms mean students can continue learning, playing and growing while their new school takes shape. Kamazzi is Cotton On Foundation’s 26th supported school globally, and when complete, the new school will provide a safe, quality learning environment for up to 500 students. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to share the journey with you. Stay tuned for updates from Kamazzi as the build progresses.

Together, we turned small choices into a big impact this Nelson Mandela Month. Thanks to our customers and team, we raised R1.31 million to support our school feeding programs in KwaMashu, South Africa — enough to provide more than 532,000 nutritious meals, nearly an entire school year of breakfasts for students at Ethekwini Primary School and Dr JL Dube High School. Every purchase, donation and act of good helps create opportunities for communities to learn, grow and thrive. A powerful reminder of what’s possible when everyday actions come together.

“It is in your hands to create a better world for all who live in it.” — Nelson Mandela This Nelson Mandela Day, we’re reminded of the power we all have to create meaningful change. At Cotton On Foundation, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through our Education model and Child’s Journey framework, we know that learning starts with meeting a child’s basic needs — and nutrition plays an important role in helping students reach their full potential. For several years, we’ve supported school feeding programs at Ethekwini Primary School and Dr JL Dube High School in KwaMashu, South Africa, providing daily breakfast porridge to 3,000 learners. Because a nutritious breakfast is more than a meal. It helps students arrive at school ready to learn, build confidence and make the most of every opportunity. This July, thanks to our customers, funds raised will support this program and help continue providing students with the foundation they need to learn, grow and thrive. #CottonOnFoundation #NelsonMandelaDay