Education support for children in South Africa

As another Youth Month passes here in South Africa it is natural to focus on the biggest challenge facing the youth: education. At this time it also seems appropriate to emphasize Nelson Mandela’s philosophy on education; that it is a weapon that can be utilized to save the world.  

For this project we are seeking to support 33 children and young people from the ages of 5 to 19 receive the targeted support they need. Section 29 of the South African Constitution guarantees "everyone" the right to an education with an obligation to make sure all South Africans can receive the same quality of and access to education. Yet as recently pointed out by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Human Rights Day this year, "Much still has to be done to ensure not only access to education, but also the quality of education."

This is clearly seen in the 2013 World Economic Report that rated South Africa’s education system 140 out of 144 countries. The report placed the country’s maths and science performance at 143.

But with the right support…WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

And this was proven most recently with the school reports of children who have been supported by the funds raised through this project. One boy who missed out on years of schooling achieved a Grade 6 average this term of over 60%...as I am fortunate enough myself to attend parents evenings I can tell you I BEAM when I hear teacher’s say such statements as “That child has the X factor…he has so much potential”.

It is the same such children who endured horrendous abuse, lived on the streets, overcome drug addiction…but came out the other side ready to achieve their potential.

And it is our supporters who help to make this a reality.

We are currently desperate to arrange more remedial tutoring for our children in High School or those soon to be making the transition and are currently staging meetings to see what remedial programs can be offered to us! And as we move towards 2014 we are still trying to ensure that we will have enough funds to send the children to the school where they need to go…!

So as I write this report now, after 18 months of this project, I am very proud to report that we have just 30% to go to reach our target! However to receive new donations at this stage would make a WORLD of difference...so please if you can make any donation you would truly be opening doors to a brighter future!

Links:

• Charity Website