Free Time Can Help – Mphatlalatsane Educational Project

Still a young university student himself, Themba Moyake wants to give children from his childhood neighbourhood the chance to follow in his footsteps and go onto successful tertiary studies and beyond.

So, he thought nothing of giving up his free time to join the Mphatlalatsane Educational Project, which runs tutoring classes for underprivileged children on weekends and during the school holidays. Themba teaches English to Grade 10, 11 and 12 learners. The project is the brainchild of four community members in Soweto, who were discouraged by the poor school results that the kids in the area were achieving and decided to volunteer their time to help.

From humble beginnings 6 years ago, the organisation was formally registered in 2008. There are currently 16 volunteer educators who offer up their time and expertise towards the project. Additional volunteers include an administrator, cleaner, and 7 members of the board. In total, the project has 25 volunteers. They receive no payment for the work that they do, other than a nominal stipend when it is possible for them to do so.  Since its inception, the project has helped over 4000 learners.

From the students that have enrolled, there have been phenomenal results.  Subject tuition includes subjects such as Maths, Science, English and Accounting. Maths and Science are critical skills shortages in our country and the tuition aims to try and address this challenge.

For the 2012 academic year, they had 84 learners who wrote matric exams. They achieved a 100% pass rate. It is interesting to note that the pass rate in 2008 was just 58%.

Summary of the results for 2012 are as follows:

• 84 learners enrolled: 84 passed.
• 53 passed with (B) Bachelors (University Entrance).
• 23 passed with (D) admission to Diploma Courses.
• 08 passed with (H) passed with Higher Certificate.

By giving selflessly of their time, volunteers like Themba Moyake are making a big difference in the lives of these school children. Without this additional tuition they would not have been able to achieve these fantastic results. Education is a key challenge in South Africa and by giving of his time, Themba is showing that young South Africans can help raise each other up.

To find out how you can help:

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