Education support for children in South Africa

It is certainly time to update all of our supporters as we start the third school term here in South Africa!

We have recently managed to arrange a number of 15 psychometric evaluations to help plan services and school placements for the children in our care. This is where we give a BIG thanks to all those who lend their support to our work at Siyakatala. Simply incredible! 

These assessments allow us to plan work internally (implementing a therapeutic development plan for every child) but also to identify where children are in need of specialised schooling to help overcome barriers to learning they may experience and making a world of difference to their personal progress. We have also been able to continue with Occupational Therapy at the centre.

We have recently celebrated Nelson Mandela Day here in South Africa. It is pertinent to quote Madiba himself in stating that “It always seems impossible until it is done”. Whilst education remains a priority for all the children in residential care at Siyakatala, they also have a whole range of opportunities whilst at the centre, ranging from scouts & cadets, to life saving & swimming, cricket & canoe lessons, art & music sessions…the vision to work holistically in truly seeing the potential of these young people come to fruition is one that we are certainly working to achieve!

Whilst South Africa has its many challenges, more young people are grabbing opportunities countrywide of becoming entrepreneurs in their community and becoming active participants in the country’s economy. When it comes to the children of our youth centre what we continually try to instill is self-belief. In our recent school results we have two high school children achieving an average of 60% or higher. We also had one girl in special schooling achieve an average of 77% and being selected to take part in a restaurant evening as part of her hospitality practical. What fantastic achievements! 

It is of course important to remember through it all how Africa as a continent has great potential…and that more than 65% of Africa’s people are young!

Recently I had the privilege of making contact with one of our care-leavers, now into his 20s. Sharing news of his work progress with me, NQF training & future ambitions, engagement & new accommodation. It was too fulfilling for words. I could share with you the hardship he encountered in his life before coming into residential care over 10 years ago, but instead let me just focus on this: “Life is not about where you’ve been, it’s about where you’re going”.

Every little truly helps when it comes to our project. Please give what you can and please spread the word. Because you know what? One of these children could be the future President.

Thank you for supporting us on this journey!