Educate a South African Child Experiencing Poverty

The new year brings sixty new kindergarten (Grade R) students toChristel House South Africa (CHSA) for the 2020 academic year. For many of the children, learning a new language, English,is their first lesson.   

The new kindergartners who join CHSA usually speak IsiXhosa or Afrikaans as a first language at home. Occasionally we admit a learner whose native tongue is French, Portuguese or Swahili. But,English is the language of instruction at Christel House. “We immerse the children into English with fun activities, using repetition and rhyme,”says Michele Wiener, CHSA Deputy Principal Foundation Phase. “I can confidently say that within three months, the children possess the ability to speak and understand basic English.”Teachers observe the new studentsto gauge their understanding of concepts like numbers, colors and letters.No child is left behind. One-on-one attention is available for struggling students. “We also teach bathroom and dining etiquette,” says AlfredaGwashu, a CHSA teacher with 18 years of experience. “With some children, I have to start from scratch and teach them basics that other children their age have already learned.” But she says working with the new students is worth it. “There is so much of yourself that you must give as a teacher, but it is so rewarding,” says Alfreda. “This is why I keep coming back every day.”   

For students in South Africa, gang violence is one of the biggest challenges says Christel House South Africa (CHSA) CEO Adri Marais. “How we deal with violence is one of the major keys to unlocking the potential of our students,” she says. Christel House provides a safe environment for kids to learn.That includes bus transportation, a secure and peaceful school facility and “90 extremely kind, loving and predictable adult teachers and staff” says Adri.

It works. For ten years in a row, CHSA has achieved an impressive 100% pass rate on the “matric” graduation exam. The most recent graduating class attained a 72% bachelors pass rate – more than double that of the national bachelors pass rate of 33%. A bachelor pass is required for students to attain college admission. For Adri, seeing students achieve is her biggest satisfaction. “It is just absolutely beautiful.” Adri acknowledges support from donors is critical to that success. “We hold our students for 18 years – 13 at school and 5 beyond,” she says. “That needs full donor support.”

Links:

• WATCH CEO Adri Marais For More