RENAULT SAYS: The Valued Citizens Initiative (VCI) was founded in April 2000 by French national, Podetti Ngono, in response to South Africa’s looming educational crisis. Its core focus is the development of responsible citizenship in public schools with educators and principals trained by the programme, teaching South Africa’s youth about the country’s constitution, their rights and the responsibilities that these rights entail.
Renault South Africa was a founding partner of the initiative and is now a platinum sponsor of the programme. From an ambitious pilot project in 2000, VCI has evolved into a large organisation that has reached more than 1 500 public schools and trained more than 3 500 educators throughout the Free State, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces.
Carole Podetti Ngono, Founder and Managing Director of VCI, has been awarded the French National Order of Merit by Denis Pietton, the French Ambassador to South Africa. Dating back to the 18th century, the award recognizes exceptional merit over an extended period of time.
“Thanks to her leadership and ability to draw South African and French companies and government into partnership, VCI has made a significant contribution in developing citizenship and leadership programmes relevant to the needs of South African society and today’s world,” said Denis Pietton.
”The Valued Citizens Initiative feeds the fire that burns in me to develop our youth to become Valued Citizens - reliable, resourceful and talented people with values aligned with South Africa’s constitution as well as our corporate culture,” responded Podetti Ngono in her acceptance speech.
“This prestigious award clearly validates the good work that the VCI team is doing in our public schools and we are proud to be a platinum sponsor and active supporter of this worthy educational initiative,” concluded Xavier Gobille, Managing Director of Renault South Africa.
*picture: The French Ambassador Honouring Mrs. Podetti Ngono
