BJM taps wealth of talent at Soweto primary schools

Barnard Jacobs Mellet Group (BJM), the independent retail stock broker and asset management company, is tapping the wealth of artistic talent at Soweto primary schools.

The wealth manager has adopted an innovative approach to corporate social investment that combines encouragement of young artists, financial backing for schools and client appreciation.

In collaboration with Shomang and Donaldson primary schools, BJM runs an art competition for 11- and 12-year-olds on a specific theme. Twelve pieces of art are selected. These are then featured in the BJM desk calendar and greeting cards that are sent to clients.

The schools receive 15% of the production cost of the corporate stationery plus a cash donation. The successful artists receive thank-you gifts.

The theme for this year’s competition was wealth and what it means to the children of Soweto. The winning artwork included depictions of a piggy bank, a jewellery box, the Gautrain, the taxi industry and the king’s house in a traditional village.

Said BJM marketing director Sunél Veldtman: “We believe education drives progress and prosperity and that interaction at community level is better than an impersonal arm’s length donation.

“Our art competition ensures broad participation by the children and allows them to express themselves while providing us with unique imagery for our corporate stationery. These gifts are also a reminder that our country is rich in young talent.

“We began the competition a year ago, focusing solely on Shomang primary at that stage. The children reacted with such enthusiasm and our clients were so impressed that we decided to widen the exercise for the 2008 calendar.”