Centre of Excellence at a Township School

Summary

This project aims to transform a middle-school in Khayalitsha, one of South Africa's biggest and poorest townships, into a centre of excellence for Mathematics, Science, English and Computer Studies.

What is the issue, problem, or challenge?

Khayalitsha is a deeply impoverished area, where the crime rate is high, unemployment is widespread and a quarter of the adult population is infected with HIV/AIDS. A third of all children in Khayalitsha do not attend school at all, and there is a critical shortage of good quality matriculants in Maths, Science and Computer Studies emanating from Khayalitsha schools. Without a decent education, these children will struggle to become independent, productive members of society.

How will this project solve this problem?

The project will improve the facilities at the school by stocking a new school library, as well as providing materials for teachers to use in the classroom. It will also provide materials and training to teachers, and after-hours tutoring to students

Potential Long Term Impact

A solid grounding in middle-school will allow these learners to achieve their potential at high school, and go on to tertiary education. In the long term, this has the potential to create highly-skilled and employable young people.

Project Message

It is crucial that young people with a talent for maths and science have a good education. It will give them better opportunities in life, and will add vital skills to the South African workforce.
- Peter Oxenham, Manager, SERI

Resources