Fund Life-Changing Education for 201 African Kids

Daer Supporters,

Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were busy gearing up for yet another holiday program for the children in the local community in Strand, Cape Town. This provides vulnerable children in the local area with a safe place to go, a free meal and the opportunity to engage in fun, educational activities, supported by the Trust and its amazing supporters. Unfortunately, the holiday program, along with all other projects, had to be halted in March 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Whilst this was a sad decision to make, it was of course the correct and necessary decision in order to protect the health of the local community. 

Prior to the start of the pandemic, we are pleased to say that, with the support of the Trust, we were able to purchase much needed sports equipment to be used at a local primary school in the community of Nomzamo. Physical education forms part of the national curriculum in South Africa and primary school children are required to participate in a number of curriculum outlined sports and skills. These skills are then examined and form part of the children’s academic grades. Unfortunately, many schools are under-resourced and do not have access to the necessary sports equipment, meaning that the children are not fully able to participate in the required sports and skills. With the support of the Trust’s donors, we were able to provide the school with items such as cricket bats and balls to enable the children to learn new skills and take part in new sports. This helps the children have equal opportunities to participate and achieve as part of working towards the Sustainable Development Goal 4 - Quality Education. Furthermore, this provides children with the opportunity to learn the importance of a healthy lifestyle, become active and learn new skills such as teamwork, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3 – Good Health and Well Being. This is a particularly important opportunity for children, whose strengths may not lie in traditional academic subjects, to gain confidence and self-esteem in another area. 

Currently, these continue to be difficult and uncertain times for many people around the world, however it has been heart-warming to see the South African spirit of ubuntu (meaning togetherness or humanity) within the Cape Town communities we work with. We remain in close contact with our community partners and regularly hear uplifting stories of neighbours, friends and communities coming together to support each other during these incredibly difficult times.

Whilst it is currently unclear when our usual projects may be able to re-start, we will continue to stay in close contact with our partners and wish to thank everyone for their support during these difficult times. 

With Gratitude,

Cape Town Education