Gran Kaz Kicks Off "10 for 10" Campaign with a Donation to Elles Foundation, Empowering Teenage Mothers to Overcome Challenges

The mood was one of hope and determination as Gran Kaz officially launched its "10 for 10" Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign today with the first donation to Elles Foundation. The ceremony, held at Kenwyn House, Victoria, marked the beginning of a journey to support and uplift some of the most vulnerable in the community. Gran Kaz's SCR 20,000 donation to Elle’s Foundation will go directly toward helping teenage mothers navigate the difficult road ahead of them, providing resources, support, and a sense of community that many desperately need.

Teenage pregnancy is a life-altering experience, often filled with immense challenges. For many young mothers in Seychelles, the future they once envisioned becomes clouded with uncertainty. Suddenly, the dream of finishing school seems distant, the prospect of finding a stable job feels out of reach, and the weight of responsibility begins to mount, often with little or no support from the father of the baby. Family and friends, who might have been a safety net, sometimes disappear, leaving these young women to face motherhood on their own.

These are the realities that Elles Foundation addresses every day. The organization has become a lifeline for young girls who find themselves at a crossroads, unsure of how to move forward. Offering emotional support, educational workshops on issues such as reproductive health, gender-based violence and parenting skills, the foundation helps young mothers rebuild their lives and regain a sense of direction.

Shama Amesbury, Gran Kaz PR Manager, spoke passionately at the event about the significance of supporting Elles Foundation:

"When a young girl becomes a mother too soon, the world around her can feel as though it’s closing in. The opportunity to finish her education, build a career, or even dream of a better life can slip away. By partnering with Elles Foundation, we hope to show these young women that they are not alone, and that there is a future for them, one filled with hope and possibilities."

The donation from Gran Kaz will enable Elles Foundation to expand its work, providing more young mothers with the resources they need to stay on their feet. The foundation offers educational support, helping these girls return to school or assist them to prepare their CVs and find employment. It also provides crucial counselling services to navigate the emotional toll that comes with teenage pregnancy, especially when there is little support from family or friends.

For many of these girls, simply having a safe space where they feel heard and understood is transformative. It is a place where their fears are acknowledged and their struggles are validated, all while receiving practical help to overcome them.

Alongside the financial contribution, Gran Kaz also invited Elles Foundation to host one of their Stay and Play sessions at Kenwyn House. A number of Gran Kaz staff volunteered their time, joining the session to play with and entertain the babies, creating a safe, joyful environment that allowed the young mothers to focus on gaining valuable life skills. During the session, the mothers received financial literacy training, counseling, and other critical resources designed to build their confidence and independence. This additional support underscores Gran Kaz’s commitment to contributing more than just funds—investing directly in hands-on, life-changing experiences for those in need.

Shama Amesbury, PR Manager for Gran Kaz, shared her thoughts on the day:

"Starting our '10 for 10' campaign with Elles Foundation feels incredibly meaningful to us. Teenage pregnancy is not just a statistic; it’s a life-altering experience for young women, who often have limited support and resources to turn to. This donation, along with today’s Stay and Play session, reflects our dedication to helping young mothers feel empowered and supported on their journey."

Jonathan Paul, Head of Operations at Gran Kaz, shared his views, emphasizing the importance of partnership in driving change:

"I’ve seen first-hand how the lack of support can break someone’s spirit. The work Elles Foundation is doing helps rebuild that spirit. This donation is just one part of the solution; the real change comes when we all, as a community, stand behind these young mothers and offer them the support they need to thrive."

 A Brighter Future for Seychelles' Young Mothers

Through its holistic approach, Elles Foundation helps young women rediscover their strength and potential. Whether it's guiding them back into education, offering emotional support, or assisting with the logistics of raising a child, the foundation is a vital support system that has changed many lives. In addition to supporting young mothers, Elles Foundation is committed to educating and raising awareness on critical subjects like consent and personal safety. By empowering young women with knowledge on these topics, the foundation aims to equip them with the tools to make informed choices and stay safe as they navigate relationships and family life.

Lorea Rassoul, the chairperson of Elles foundation expressed gratitude for the donation:

“On Behalf of Elles Foundation, I would like to express our gratitude and say how appreciative we are for the generous donation given to us by Gran Kaz. Since we started the Foundation in 2022, it is very encouraging for us to see that the community and the people of Seychelles are seeing the importance of helping the youth to build a better future. This support is very important in helping us achieve our projects and make the positive impact we want for our teenage mothers, their children and the younger generation. Seeing the staff of Gran Kaz participating in our Stay and Play session today means a lot to us. We are truly grateful for your generosity  and I hope this is just the beginning of a long and successful partnership.”

This donation is not just a one-time gift; it’s a commitment from Gran Kaz to stand by young mothers in Seychelles and to make sure that their journey, although difficult, is not one they have to walk alone. The "10 for 10" campaign is the start of many meaningful contributions Gran Kaz plans to make as it celebrates its 10-year anniversary by giving back to the community that has supported it for the past decade.