tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68397211144509480112024-03-18T21:31:19.078-07:00School Of HopeThembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-33276508769285156412015-06-03T03:36:00.001-07:002015-06-03T03:36:36.398-07:00See our latest updates on the new Thembalitsha Foundation blog!Thank you for being a loyal supporter and friend of School of Hope and Thembalitsha Foundation! We have recently streamlined all of our blogs into a single website for all of the projects so you can keep up with all things Thembalitsha in one place: <a href="http://thembalitsha.blogspot.com/">thembalitsha.blogspot.com</a>. If you are interested in following our new combined stream, you can scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your up-to-date e-mail address in the "Follow By E-mail" field. And if you still want to view project-specific content, you can choose a project from the drop-down menu at the top! All of our old posts from this blog have also migrated there as well in a full archives.<br />
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We hope that this new platform will be incredibly easy for you to use and also show you the full scope of the exciting happenings here at Thembalitsha! If you have any questions or concerns, please <a href="http://www.thembalitsha.org.za/#!contact/c2q4" target="_blank">contact us</a> at any time - we love hearing from our supporters.<br />
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We look forward to sharing more of this journey with you!<br />
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xx<br />
Team ThembaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-62396875545998013132015-02-16T01:31:00.000-08:002015-02-16T01:35:32.485-08:00State of a nation... addressed!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>by Laura Collura, Principal at the School of Hope</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all want to hear some good news about our beloved nation. At the School of Hope we are playing our part in addressing one of the most important issues facing South Africa: education. While we ponder the state of our nation, there are more than 60 young people who have matriculated from the School of Hope since 2008 who would not have finished their schooling otherwise. Young girls who are mothers, boys trapped in gangsterism and drug abuse and young men desperate to complete their schooling are amongst the brave young people who have made it to Grade 12 and are now either meaningfully employed or studying further to obtain a diploma or degree.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Byronne Essack -Valedictorian 2014-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was awarded the Denver Andreas </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scholarship with which he intends </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">studying sound production.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nine more individuals joined this group of successful learners who overcame all the odds stacked against them to complete the National Senior Certificate in November 2014. Amongst them, Carlo Sabotker from Delft and Zubair Cader from Mitchell's Plein who made us proud by passing their national examinations and are both enrolled at False Bay College to study Electrical Engineering in 2015. Top students Yanga Mtule from Nyanga and Byronne Essack from Belhar are pursuing their passion for music before settling into their future studies. They have produced two original music videos in the process of chasing their musical dreams. They join the alumni who grace the halls of Stellenbosch University, those studying through UNISA - and those who are working on their career.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zubair Cader will be studying at </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">False Bay College from May2015.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year, 130 learners have made the all-important decision to enroll and are aiming to complete their education in spite of the challenges that have made it difficult for them to do so. This is a record enrollment and includes sixteen Grade 12 students. Indeed, this is good news for our city, which boasts some of the best schools in the country but is also plagued with unacceptable high school drop-out rates. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With 96 applicants already on the waiting list for 2016, it is clear that many children, youth and their parents are anxious for a chance to be part of the solution. We are privileged to be making a difference in this city, bringing hope to those who need it the most.</span><br />
<br />Laura Collurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06713876310101795338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-45984814766594084212014-08-13T01:56:00.000-07:002014-08-13T03:14:04.073-07:00Dutch Connections!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENJMaQy27t-E-lULL9P6SiG-riCOiRABTi9LqiR1-GCVj2vkkJoGKQmF97Edcs1RHwlKE6Ux7LABAn1wr1PEWKSR5ylDxUJ4BBUWywjNawpltQKyvRL_XpoWgYX4Lby4VwVNwrOVVnd85/s1600/Sint+Maartens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENJMaQy27t-E-lULL9P6SiG-riCOiRABTi9LqiR1-GCVj2vkkJoGKQmF97Edcs1RHwlKE6Ux7LABAn1wr1PEWKSR5ylDxUJ4BBUWywjNawpltQKyvRL_XpoWgYX4Lby4VwVNwrOVVnd85/s1600/Sint+Maartens.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><br />
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What a joy it was to host 31 Dutch students and their teachers from Sint Maartens School in Holland. For a whole week they made our library their home and spent every waking moment doing things to improve our school building.<br />
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They also taught us a dance, introduced us to the 1Billion Rising campaign against women abuse and gave us a taste of Holland – teaching the Consumer Studies classes to make delicious waffles.<br />
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One of the great projects they tackled was the planting of an indoor hanging garden (right). This ingenious idea has added much needed green to our indoor premises.<br />
Global Exploration made it possible for learners at the School of Hope and those from Sint Maartens to gain experience through a cultural exchange. Their mission is simply to make making a difference in the world.<br />
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They excitedly and passionately came to paint the school, teach lessons and immerse themselves into a different culture, confronting the realities facing Cape Town’s youth. Their hope is that this experience would give their learners a fresh perspective on life, and impact our learners as well. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65OTPeo16ErgDb_nZeLJvLyJSA_iUjpAPQCAMgEWNvNY0qQexGL2qCiduMH-2NILggJXgOVGdjx6F3ITyBtrAPKsToKm515_tNgnY_WkPx9VOm7m_Hd_q8VXwjFrtq1q24reoG_GVM5YM/s1600/Hanging+garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65OTPeo16ErgDb_nZeLJvLyJSA_iUjpAPQCAMgEWNvNY0qQexGL2qCiduMH-2NILggJXgOVGdjx6F3ITyBtrAPKsToKm515_tNgnY_WkPx9VOm7m_Hd_q8VXwjFrtq1q24reoG_GVM5YM/s1600/Hanging+garden.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a>Our learners reflected on this experience as follows:<br />
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“They were kind and different to what I expected. We will miss having them here. They felt like family. Mikhail Adonis” (Grade 8)<br />
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“We had such a lovely time sharing with the learners and learning about their country and culture. Having them make our school colorful with all the painting has changed the atmosphere and we are truly thankful for their contribution. They became a part of our school family and the bond we formed with them will remain in our hearts.” Natasha Damons and Shireen Hendricks (Grade 11)<br />
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“It was a great experience as the students breathed new life into the school and inspired all of us to not give up, no matter the situations we find ourselves in. They showed us how to work together and that hard work makes a difference.” Marshalino Jankowski (Grade 9)<br />
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Thank you Global Explorations for this connection. We enjoyed meeting and getting to know our new Dutch family!<br />
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Laura Collurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06713876310101795338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-90164715331385223192014-06-17T04:57:00.000-07:002014-06-17T05:06:57.187-07:00On Safari!<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thirty learners and staff were treated a five-star safari at Buffelsfontein on the West Coast, care of <em>Be a Blessing. </em></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaQWpX9fWbjyqnu__aYSjUhZ-gE95dgbo9X-rJDsUi6e6PTlxybEXFzNUv2Es-lrzjFEDd26rKcaEw-voH-d18p7IfLLQ2wrDJC4W3Pyyo405cD51LTwPUEzkzX3rERT2uUOYa9-m1-eL/s1600/b+a+b+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaQWpX9fWbjyqnu__aYSjUhZ-gE95dgbo9X-rJDsUi6e6PTlxybEXFzNUv2Es-lrzjFEDd26rKcaEw-voH-d18p7IfLLQ2wrDJC4W3Pyyo405cD51LTwPUEzkzX3rERT2uUOYa9-m1-eL/s1600/b+a+b+2014.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Be a Blessing </em>exists to give young people the opportunity to experience 4X4 adventure outings. This year they organized a truly remarkable safari experience for our learners on Buffelsfontein farm. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">The learners had the following to say:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Asheeqah Brown (Grade
10):</b> I had an amazing experience on the trip. It’s not every
day that we get such great opportunity to see the animals out there, to know what they eat where they live and what species they
belong to. I wouldn’t mind going on another trip like that again because it was
awesome!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ashton Groove (Grade
8): </b>It was very nice to see Rhinos and Ostriches,
also Buffalos and Red Lions and to drive past the Cheetah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also saw the Zebras Springbok and the
Wildcat. There were a lot of wild animals. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nawaal Hanslow (Grade
9): </b>The <em>Be a Blessing</em> trip was amazing, I really enjoyed it. It was an opportunity
for me to see animals; the tour guide explained at each stop about
their habitat and uniqueness. I would like to go with my family one day .<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Morgan Martins (Grade
11): </b>What I learned on the <em>Be a Blessing</em> trip is that so many animals are endangered, particularly
the Rhinos, who are being killed for their horns, which can gradually lead to
their extinction. But most of all, I learnt that animals in their wild are special in
their own ways.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Siphesihle Mzukwa
(Grade 11): </b>We learnt about things we didn’t know about. Things like Rhino
poaching and how the nature reserves work. After the trip I thought
about studying Nature Conservation. I am thankful and grateful to the people
who offered us with this kind of opportunity.</span></span><br />
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<em>Be a Blessing</em> relies on sponsors to put together trips like these. The Buffelsfontein safari was made possible by o<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">wner Paul Loubser who put his farm and game viewing vehicles at our disposal. Arora Superspar and their manager Odette, took care of our learners and staff throughout the day. As usual, a satisfying lunch was served.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXqqJ3-KpnO4GHL6pOxlpTiNK8T-5I_KNEQgGLg7WkKSp608lpdZGL6NXnp2p4Y9uDuyMYAofL6miaaYk3Dt5TMXKyA0h6zpNMggGyIyjRNwL3j0iHxlsbryR_2IDbOUt47m2lAd4_llE/s1600/BaB.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXqqJ3-KpnO4GHL6pOxlpTiNK8T-5I_KNEQgGLg7WkKSp608lpdZGL6NXnp2p4Y9uDuyMYAofL6miaaYk3Dt5TMXKyA0h6zpNMggGyIyjRNwL3j0iHxlsbryR_2IDbOUt47m2lAd4_llE/s1600/BaB.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">El Josa bus service sponsored the transport to Buffelsfontein, and t</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">he <em>Be a Blessing</em> drivers were generous with their time and hospitality. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Thank you Kobus Meyer and <em>Be a Blessing</em>. You certainly live up to your name.</span></span><br />
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<br />Laura Collurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06713876310101795338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-47028083852258092014-05-16T01:22:00.003-07:002014-05-16T01:24:47.313-07:00Confronting the Dragon<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How
did Daryn Jones, our social worker, get 15 of our learners to volunteer to be
trained by SANCA as peer counselors at School of Hope? <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Masixole Feni</td></tr>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“In
April the School of Hope had a focus week: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Drug
Education and Awareness</i>. A survey that was conducted at the School of Hope revealed
that the majority of students have witnessed adult family members using drugs in
front of them. Those learners who have tried using drugs or are still currently
using drugs, did so for the first time before they were 15 years old. The most
common drugs identified in the survey were Methamphetamine (Tik), Heroine
(Unga) and Marijuana (Dagga). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Adolescence
is a significant period where there is rapid development between childhood and
adulthood, involving complex cognitive development. The prefrontal cortex is
mainly responsible for this development. It allows a teenager to be able to
start thinking in more of an abstract manner, using a wider perspective of
understanding and reasoning. The thoughts, ideas and concepts developed during
this period greatly influence the type of adult the adolescent will become. A
study conducted in 2012 by the University of Cape Town and the University of
Stellenbosch in South Africa titled ‘</span></span><em><span style="background: white; border: 1pt windowtext; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Brain imaging
illuminates the impact of addictive drugs on the brain’, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></em><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">found that Heroin, Tik and alcohol are all responsible
for the reduction of cell development in the prefrontal cortex. This means that
drugs can damage or impair the part of the brain responsible for social and
moral functioning of an individual. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In
order to educate and create awareness about the impact of drugs and alcohol the
school hosted two guest speakers who are recovering addicts to share their life
story with the students. The students hung on their every word, often relating
many of the life events and situations that were shared back into their own
lives in the Cape Flats community.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then
SANCA (South African National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence) came
to the school and educated the students about the physical and psychological
effects of using drugs and spoke about how using Tik has been a variable linked
directly to the increase of contracting HIV due to the physiological effects
the drug has on a person.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Drug
Education Week ended with 15 of our students volunteering to be trained by
SANCA as peer counselors in their school. This means they will be able to pick
up the signs and symptoms of their peers who may be using or abusing drugs.
They will be able to do informal counseling and know how to communicate drug
information to their peers as well as how they can go about accessing the
relevant treatment. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">School
of Hope will also be having NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings once a week where
students who are affected by drugs can share anonymously in a group and receive
support and counseling related directly to the various affects drugs can have
on an individual, a family and a community.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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(Daryn Jones)</div>
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Laura Collurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06713876310101795338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-88520648227062996572014-04-14T13:48:00.000-07:002014-04-14T13:50:29.527-07:00Creating Hope<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was pleasantly surprised by a letter written to me by our enthusiastic Creative Arts teacher, Sipho Banda. Having just taken over the overactive, difficult-to-please and sadly underachieving Grade 8 class, he had a moment of joy in the integrated music/poetry class. He writes:</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week, during Creative Arts, the Grade 8
class had to read aloud or perform a poem. The poems were
randomly selected - I had never read the poem ‘Ou Krouskop’ before, and certainly
assumed the learners never had either, but within minutes it was performed with an edgy and creative
Hip-Hop flow ! I certainly don’t think the author
intended ‘Ou Krouskop’ to be read that way, but that’s the beautiful thing
about poetry and creativity. The group’s interpretation of the title had some
local twang to it which was most entertaining. I smiled…and my smile turned to pure enjoyment. I wanted someone to walk into my class so that I could share the moment.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span lang="EN-ZA">Learners should want to perform, present
and learn with their peers. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What musical creativity! I
didn’t know what to do with myself – and it was good. It was great to hear the murmurs of enthusiasm
in the class.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span lang="EN-ZA">One learner in particular displayed great confidence. Her
voice was strong, and she was very good in her
delivery. </span><span lang="EN-ZA">Something has happened in that learner. <o:p></o:p></span></span></em><br />
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<span lang="EN-ZA"><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, with all the other important business that comes with teaching, I know that creativity is splendid
and should always be encouraged in class.</span></em></span></div>
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Mr Banda does not have to convince me. The difference in the Grade 8 class since he became their teacher is obvious. All it takes is the courage to allow for something a little out of the routine for the learners to achieve something great.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2xsLcKYRhIJZvlpmafwVtnFlUrPJ1rJOA-Czp_1cwuw1-LUGN40JQ2OO8VoHV1gjcBaRAWh03L3eXqfaLGVKsLzbjYP6KoiRgc7KS22FQ74GzimgFDgU5vrCOCmJAaBzxKIygp6n4fwd/s1600/Sanitation-in-western-cape-Phillipi-_1112-PRESS-c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2xsLcKYRhIJZvlpmafwVtnFlUrPJ1rJOA-Czp_1cwuw1-LUGN40JQ2OO8VoHV1gjcBaRAWh03L3eXqfaLGVKsLzbjYP6KoiRgc7KS22FQ74GzimgFDgU5vrCOCmJAaBzxKIygp6n4fwd/s1600/Sanitation-in-western-cape-Phillipi-_1112-PRESS-c.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take the story of Masixole Feni. Masi left School of Hope after completing his Grade 12 exams in 2010 to pursue his love for photography. This month the South African Centre for Photography will exhibit his work: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><em>Water is Life.</em> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is <span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the first in a series of solo photographic exposés by Masixole Feni, showcased at the Alliance Française during the Month of April, 2014. The series has won a South African Centre for Photography award for its quality and relevant discourse related to 20 years of Democracy in South Africa. The prize includes the production and hosting of a further two linked showcases during the </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Cape Town Month of Photography that will showcase in October 2014 as an Official World Design Capital Project.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZ0k5LCiny13raUNQb7dSw2C6ulXItvQu2GwmTSM5UOEJCvxGZtOjlh75vCYRpHgK5V0lbr8U0Phrm2tD5sBcJBlnC_wBfMyB71kJynf77yOYM0tP3dfx3ToHoIcWLlrgYP33_PcogXUC/s1600/Khayelitsha-Rain-_2013-b-Website-250x167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZ0k5LCiny13raUNQb7dSw2C6ulXItvQu2GwmTSM5UOEJCvxGZtOjlh75vCYRpHgK5V0lbr8U0Phrm2tD5sBcJBlnC_wBfMyB71kJynf77yOYM0tP3dfx3ToHoIcWLlrgYP33_PcogXUC/s1600/Khayelitsha-Rain-_2013-b-Website-250x167.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The exhibition opened on the 3</span><span style="font-size: small;"><sup style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">rd</sup><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> April by Ian Landsberg, photo editor-in-chief at the independent Newspapers, where Masixole Feni has been a freelance photographer for the past two and a half years. Says Dimitri Perez, Alliance Française cultural coordinator, “As a cultural centre, with a mission to promote cultural diversity, as well as French culture, we are proud to welcome Masixole Feni and co-facilitate his solo debut in South Africa with </span><em style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Water is Life</em>, curated by Jenny Altschuler of the South African Centre for Photography. The Alliance Française, in collaboration with the SA Centre for Photography, will host and support the month long showcase, as well as facilitate a <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">public program</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> which invites interaction between the community, the photographer and the work. It is also an honour to have Masixole Feni at Alliance as he has previously won the South African leg of the Alliance Française International Photography contest. This is a continuation also of our recognition of his beautiful work and the social topics he shares.”</span></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg8PooIweg5QqDXVBIB4B9RUy-PmGDbprV0LocO3Epe8mVOZu3WDfC038jtF09tLVjHLLNTeiIXl9BzNs_4y4f0QIc6IxtjQWOWd8kiHU55BeQm50rklgvBh9yN3OGZ9YUJNYsSD7pDx4/s1600/Early-Morning-Outdoor-bathroom-Masiphumelela-March-2014-website-1-250x165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWg8PooIweg5QqDXVBIB4B9RUy-PmGDbprV0LocO3Epe8mVOZu3WDfC038jtF09tLVjHLLNTeiIXl9BzNs_4y4f0QIc6IxtjQWOWd8kiHU55BeQm50rklgvBh9yN3OGZ9YUJNYsSD7pDx4/s1600/Early-Morning-Outdoor-bathroom-Masiphumelela-March-2014-website-1-250x165.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Renting the space where he has placed his shack, as a ‘backyard dweller’ in the Mfuleni settlement near Khayelitsha, Cape Town, Masi has limited access to water and electricity from the main RDP house and no access to a toilet. Having grown up in the Sakhumzi Orphanage down the road, Masi still feels, however, that he has had more than many other people in the area. The South African Centre for Photography describes him on their website as follows: "Feni’s work has the self-awareness of a seer within his community".</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, we continue to celebrate creativity at the School of Hope and trust that many more creative minds will be nurtured and developed from within our walls. Perhaps, the next great musician-poet will emerge from Mr Banda's Grade 8 class.</span></span></span><br />
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<br />Laura Collurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06713876310101795338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-16202390334117392882014-03-17T01:41:00.001-07:002014-03-18T12:55:14.503-07:00Remembering ... and speaking out!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 72.0pt;">
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Remembering<br />
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Grade 9 learners at School of Hope recently visited the Holocaust Center, as part of the Social Sciences curriculum. The center is the oldest of its kind in Africa. It houses insightful historical content about the Human Rights violated during and post-WWII. <br />
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The day was spent attending lectures, viewing historical artifacts and watching documentaries. The outing gave the class an opportunity to engage with topics discussed as part of the History curriculum, in a different and experiential way. What a great opportunity it was to honour the millions of lives that were lost as a result of a Nazi genocide and to join the people who say, 'Never again!'.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLWsqIGAaK8KBGIJznh99le4ihl1BCGH4ae5l9eBUqVr8WAPrsVtk1I79QU4qg6V9wRo8JIPV-BfpFaeR3TPdaRkg5vE8lyxVAiaKYVMJrxVtQTeSkhW-ynoIwIp2ZN3Xvpm4-MRomCPM/s1600/Holocaust+museum+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLWsqIGAaK8KBGIJznh99le4ihl1BCGH4ae5l9eBUqVr8WAPrsVtk1I79QU4qg6V9wRo8JIPV-BfpFaeR3TPdaRkg5vE8lyxVAiaKYVMJrxVtQTeSkhW-ynoIwIp2ZN3Xvpm4-MRomCPM/s1600/Holocaust+museum+2.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Educator Sipho Banda and Social Worker Daryn Jones accompanied the learners</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7S1-Ebxh2tPB3nAezLaY96H9I3ABlMMdPeFEkk-Sxyy9Ggq73U6A_VpEHbG1GasYIh1nAesvUgmfEJ_HrYI_SSpBgOUl32JxPr2-bob1qdbg29OrL45Of7mmn3nMIi5VWPs85cuZF6ZyF/s1600/Holocaust+museum+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7S1-Ebxh2tPB3nAezLaY96H9I3ABlMMdPeFEkk-Sxyy9Ggq73U6A_VpEHbG1GasYIh1nAesvUgmfEJ_HrYI_SSpBgOUl32JxPr2-bob1qdbg29OrL45Of7mmn3nMIi5VWPs85cuZF6ZyF/s1600/Holocaust+museum+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upcoming Human Rights Day (21 March) was put into perspective during this experience</td></tr>
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Speaking Out!<br />
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While the Grade 9s were crystallizing their ideas about social issues and finding their voices to speak out against injustice and oppression, two Grade 11 learners were selected to participate in the District Public Speaking competition held at Herschel Girls School on Saturday the 15th March. This being our first year, we were grateful just to be participating and to be part of this eloquent and outspoken community of young people. Siyanda Seteni encouraged us to 'laugh like old folk', referencing a famous poem by Maya Angelou. Siphesihle Mzukwa highlighted the challenges of people living in his beloved township of kwaLanga. Both did their best and were honoured with participation certificates. The real learning took place as they confidently mixed with their peers from private and public schools and connected as young people with something to say.<br />
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Next year, we go for the medals!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcK7WFxroqQW8hkr8eKdDBOKMorJIa24jI_ocwz7Ss5xYM0SLgWJX4fbWEuZ4jAppYfZiM1vNUGGjpaTyNvJ6i1FJU5r5cQerfbOFn91tOErzs0MQLIm-10CTJTIrgJyLaB_FLDUwlSyh/s1600/District+Public+Speaking+Competition+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcK7WFxroqQW8hkr8eKdDBOKMorJIa24jI_ocwz7Ss5xYM0SLgWJX4fbWEuZ4jAppYfZiM1vNUGGjpaTyNvJ6i1FJU5r5cQerfbOFn91tOErzs0MQLIm-10CTJTIrgJyLaB_FLDUwlSyh/s1600/District+Public+Speaking+Competition+2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Siyanda Seteni and Siphesihle Mzukwa bottom center</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNf29I9GTr-qrO1kuiX2XTtu7eg1nWQGnYPhj4Pjulx8VeR8ksMzhNXw7HgbQlY0UusIkhuo-usVnKCNTLeGRzXvFuZ3fwHvZUoWtTLC3sKgUmsfB_bMfsK8fn9ZOSEKtwW6JYqlIb6c8L/s1600/District+Public+speaking+competition+2014+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNf29I9GTr-qrO1kuiX2XTtu7eg1nWQGnYPhj4Pjulx8VeR8ksMzhNXw7HgbQlY0UusIkhuo-usVnKCNTLeGRzXvFuZ3fwHvZUoWtTLC3sKgUmsfB_bMfsK8fn9ZOSEKtwW6JYqlIb6c8L/s1600/District+Public+speaking+competition+2014+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictured here with proud English teacher Sipho Banda</td></tr>
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Laura Collurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06713876310101795338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-24649462287422543152014-02-11T03:49:00.002-08:002014-02-11T10:55:37.043-08:00We are home!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Book', sans-serif; font-size: 28pt;">We are home!</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">After
an arduous seven year search, the School of Hope has new premises!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Franklin Gothic Book, sans-serif;"><i>Sipho Banda and Laura Collura</i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Situated
on the Observatory/Mowbray border, the school is conveniently placed near public commuting hubs. The secure business-park complex offers a uniquely professional
and dynamic environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Having
left our intimate premises in Bridgetown, it has become more
important than ever to foster a nurturing school culture - one that offers high academic standards while providing holistic intervention. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Our
beautiful<i> </i>little school encourages a new
kind of instruction; one that challenges the staff to try insightful and creative
approaches to pedagogy. The only "old" comfort
we hold on to, is the familiarity our core values: hope, family,
transformation, responsibility and giving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gtk7jKO2yZ1H2-wjDH2WlCSLT0poiux51Uw8lPFoz_7r-tfe3gBcoHaiVaKihudFJsC0m5fJvvLwwatjeihkHcuXTPBJpJy6fPVv9YyB5O1AIsSz9y6NkzqyGEA9-aa0pYIY7yd7v6PP/s1600/School+of+Hope+sign+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gtk7jKO2yZ1H2-wjDH2WlCSLT0poiux51Uw8lPFoz_7r-tfe3gBcoHaiVaKihudFJsC0m5fJvvLwwatjeihkHcuXTPBJpJy6fPVv9YyB5O1AIsSz9y6NkzqyGEA9-aa0pYIY7yd7v6PP/s1600/School+of+Hope+sign+2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">School
of Hope<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Unit
27A&C<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Waverley
Business Park<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Mowbray<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Cape
Town<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">7925
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Book', sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Phone: (021) 447 0334</span></b><b><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Seeing
the auditorium, filled with fresh-faced learners on the first
day of school, was a sight that visionary educators would appreciate. But, soon began
the challenge of managing 127 learners, twice as many as we have had before!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Nothing
hits home like this gem of advice from an experienced educator: </span><span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Book', sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">“Let
us remember that the most difficult learners are usually the most intelligent.
Give them something to do, something that is challenging…” This has proven to be a useful nugget of truth. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">We need not have been concerned that the unique School of Hope atmosphere would be lost. It remains, only with twice as much enthusiasm. The
great thing about being an educator in the <i>noughties</i>
is that you get to capture snapshots like this. The lively and colourful trend
of spontaneous music continues in the new premises. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEirB98XS7ZvdBHZvZ9bH4e_MwpfQUqc1vr4KbFsfNB-Zt74lEDKiwrz-6sLvIlvDntN_ofDCNvWSKgYi_-qKIMVq4kM20LWM52CbkcTtWm_rrf9qkK5Ol4xuxi3tCKwqfFY1ia-ZfW0YS/s1600/School+of+Hope+learners+singing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEirB98XS7ZvdBHZvZ9bH4e_MwpfQUqc1vr4KbFsfNB-Zt74lEDKiwrz-6sLvIlvDntN_ofDCNvWSKgYi_-qKIMVq4kM20LWM52CbkcTtWm_rrf9qkK5Ol4xuxi3tCKwqfFY1ia-ZfW0YS/s1600/School+of+Hope+learners+singing.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book","sans-serif";">Pictured
(from right) is RCL Co-captain strumming away, joined by two Grade 10 learners.
The warmth offered by the acoustic sounds as you walk out of the staff room is
something any weary teacher will
appreciate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nQt73dYIILfJQ5f-8H5nrEh1iFc2JJk2XUbopxiXDfBKntCwpF9M9IwnDMIpnnpqNik9MVS0shVTW6wTgzZpZzcPTvjsuYmOUjGg8rQGdlt1Em-V1HBrjC5FbOiTdgPhi47RiwnglZwN/s1600/Byron+and+the+RCL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nQt73dYIILfJQ5f-8H5nrEh1iFc2JJk2XUbopxiXDfBKntCwpF9M9IwnDMIpnnpqNik9MVS0shVTW6wTgzZpZzcPTvjsuYmOUjGg8rQGdlt1Em-V1HBrjC5FbOiTdgPhi47RiwnglZwN/s1600/Byron+and+the+RCL.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Book', sans-serif; text-indent: -72pt;">The Representative Council of
Learners (RCL) meet weekly to discuss issues that concern and affect all
learners, and assist with general event planning. Each member is tasked
with the responsibility of an individual portfolio. The RCL are determined to
promote a change in thinking, especially where school spirit is concerned.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Franklin Gothic Book', sans-serif;">To
those who have traveled the journey with us this far, thank you. Your continuous and increasing support is most valued. Let this be an
encouragement to the new family of supporters. You have joined a team of people
who have been committed to this task for years and you share in our joy as we begin a new and exciting chapter. Still, the mission remains, and what we are doing is of tremendous importance. We are the “education junkies” of this democratic nation. There is
nothing more important that we can do for South Africa today than to educate
her children – as in Bridgetown, now even more so in Mowbray.</span></div>
Laura Collurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06713876310101795338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-63075267388081049422013-11-09T14:32:00.000-08:002013-11-09T22:07:38.400-08:00Three Outstanding Young Men<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At our recent Awards Evening, we celebrated the achievement of many students and three young men in particular. These are their stories.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsogOcUw6aa8lq0E1nAf7KwjpTfRuKEJO5I8-Z6a1ERvmIkFT8-ZZ1qsvV6N4cSg_lm4aqNaOqSCvynD5IcKRI1-KYNGmwIdjEr4p9N7RYubWl2Gp2nHrkJtkiF0GOP-JZ0KjoGrjJdx3/s1600/awards+evening+2013+goldman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRsogOcUw6aa8lq0E1nAf7KwjpTfRuKEJO5I8-Z6a1ERvmIkFT8-ZZ1qsvV6N4cSg_lm4aqNaOqSCvynD5IcKRI1-KYNGmwIdjEr4p9N7RYubWl2Gp2nHrkJtkiF0GOP-JZ0KjoGrjJdx3/s200/awards+evening+2013+goldman.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Goldman Gambiza</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We met Goldman Gambiza when he was just 14, an economic refugee from
Zimbabwe. As a child in the ruthless streets of Cape Town, he became part of
the Adonis Musati Project an organisation doing wonderful work with
refugees in the city. He was enrolled at School of Hope and soon became part
of the family. The tension of being at school when his struggling family expected him to work, was overshadowed by his obvious academic intelligence and
love for learning. But the tension remained. In spite of this, Goldman
continued to perform well academically and reached Grade 12 easily. Goldman is a sensitive,
compassionate young man. He demonstrates the value of HOPE,
a joyful expectation for a preferable future. He is determined to complete
his tertiary education and we will certainly be there for him throughout that
process. Goldman wants to study IT in 2014 and to help him, he was awarded R3000.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIByDsI5mBhn2e_1D0FBEgh5aSJjZNKJaeHjbLBpM3Fzz6HHJ0R4PMEgFpggrXdpwXp4AJftQHQjXzHuHmsC8pFbG1HOSRo52ULsX8FF3HcbspUn7-O9ZV1x-pVTH49uyJkozIoDEkg1z/s1600/Thabo+Zaba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwIByDsI5mBhn2e_1D0FBEgh5aSJjZNKJaeHjbLBpM3Fzz6HHJ0R4PMEgFpggrXdpwXp4AJftQHQjXzHuHmsC8pFbG1HOSRo52ULsX8FF3HcbspUn7-O9ZV1x-pVTH49uyJkozIoDEkg1z/s200/Thabo+Zaba.jpg" width="131" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thabo Zaba</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thabo Zaba has passed every academic year out of sheer persistence and enthusiasm, which is the hallmark of his character. Thabo can put a smile on any face and always shows the staff and school the utmost respect by dressing in full school uniform and being <i>that </i>person you hope guests will meet first. Thabo has experienced some tragedy and difficulty during his time at School of Hope but he picked himself up and continued to prioritise his education. In 2012, while in Grade 11, Thabo left his parent’s home to live at Beth U'riel with other young men from our school. Thabo will make a success of his life simply because he is so lovable and a truly endearing person. To describe his years at School of Hope, Thabo said: <i>I see the revolution in me!</i> Thabo embodies the core value of TRANSFORMATION, having undertaken a remarkable journey from the first day till now. Thabo will study business in 2014 and was also awarded R3000 towards these studies.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aHuEeE0N7PS6Ef5Ri4-vfeTK9ibObsuaFapFyN2lZh21Ws7k07UKadXmg_DMXaKt9Iev-45kJvkksSCxBd7RjPMazm9t2zQz05_cUx8GsVJeLui5XYS78sgxQKzSzCFjPOnZhbcN0CeG/s1600/Chuma+and+Ade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aHuEeE0N7PS6Ef5Ri4-vfeTK9ibObsuaFapFyN2lZh21Ws7k07UKadXmg_DMXaKt9Iev-45kJvkksSCxBd7RjPMazm9t2zQz05_cUx8GsVJeLui5XYS78sgxQKzSzCFjPOnZhbcN0CeG/s200/Chuma+and+Ade.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chuma Mdingi with Educator, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ade Oyewo</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Chuma Mdingi arrived from the Eastern Cape and enrolled at School of Hope in Grade 10. Chuma was quiet and barely spoke,
battling with the language of instruction and the social tensions in his new
environment. In his own words, he had struggled to make friends in the Eastern
Cape but at School of Hope he not only made friends but became part of the
family. He displays a maturity that is really remarkable. Quiet people can
easily be overlooked and seem passive or disinterested, but Chuma’s quiet
confidence and exemplary behaviour give him an authority and a strength of
leadership that needs few words. He achieved excellent results in 2013 and one
word describes his behaviour: consistency. He is the same in every
situation, always positive, always respectful, never foolish but he also
displays an intelligent sense of humour. Chuma embodies the
core value of RESPONSIBILITY having taken responsibility for his learning and
his life. He too wants to study IT in 2014. Chuma was declared class Valedictorian and is recipient of the Denver Andreas Award for excellence. As such, he was awarded R20 000 towards his studies. Well done, Chuma! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The awards were made possible by three donors: Alessia Brown awarded R2000 on
behalf of her late husband Malcolm Jacky Brown, who was a donor from 2006 until his passing in 2012. He cared deeply for the work at the School of Hope. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Joanne Leddy is originally from CT, but living in Ireland. She has been putting away 100 Euros every month since the beginning of the year.
She is the working mother with three children, one of whom has Down's Syndrome. She sent us the funds with this message: <i>I wanted to help someone, someone hardworking, driven and hungry to follow
their dreams. Someone whose life is different because of School of Hope and because of
their tenacity to succeed!! </i>Joanne awarded R4000.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The donor of this year’s Denver Andreas Award is <i>Inkomba
Energy</i>. Anton Badenhorst, the CEO, is passionate about developing young people.
He is father to four boisterous boys and when he does not give us funds, he has
been known to be a handy-man, fixing things around the school. He also
spoke at our Career Day on being an engineer. He knew Denver Andreas, the first
principal of the school, personally and mourned with us his tragic passing in 2004.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you to all of you for your gift that will help these three outstanding young men to continue their journey of life-long learning in 2014!</span></div>
Laura Collurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06713876310101795338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-65282729009264671372013-10-16T07:24:00.000-07:002013-11-09T21:49:10.290-08:00Rite of Passage: Matric Dance 2013In the Western Cape the Matric Dance is an important rite of passage. Parents of all economic backgrounds, cultures and communities save for months to send their children off to their Matric Dance in style, usually sparing no expense regardless of what the rest of the family will have to go without. It is no wonder, when you consider that less than half of all Grade Ones in South Africa make it to Matric in the twelve years they are given to do so.<br />
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It is no different at the School of Hope, where learners have made it to Grade 12 against all odds. We think the pictures will tell this story best. Enjoy.<br />
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Laura Collurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06713876310101795338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-60581764212046818182013-08-15T06:46:00.000-07:002013-11-09T21:50:55.148-08:00The hand that rocks the cradleMany of the young girls at the School of Hope write their Grade 12 exams with a book in the one hand and a baby in the other.<br />
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The reason we advocate for young mothers to complete education at almost any cost, is because we believe that an educated mother is almost certainly going to result in an educated child. Gaylene (2009 Bachelors pass), Bianca (2011 Diploma pass) and Fatimah (2012 Bachelors pass) are all School of Hope alumni who managed to successfully balance academics and motherhood. This year, there are three more mothers bravely facing their up-coming Grade 12 trial exams. <br />
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We asked our learners why education is important to them.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zO0RjLdQasW-2EphtSntBYis-eb63kcfDfB9sQQCb6DcaKNUl9BHRHFsaW09P0i4j_E6PjomGd077t7f9uRAcKlzJ9qOTSuv9638RaCAkKK5jM0V4_x_feMZuH6iCMGvscvE4kcHRkDJ/s1600/Jasmine+and+Faeeda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zO0RjLdQasW-2EphtSntBYis-eb63kcfDfB9sQQCb6DcaKNUl9BHRHFsaW09P0i4j_E6PjomGd077t7f9uRAcKlzJ9qOTSuv9638RaCAkKK5jM0V4_x_feMZuH6iCMGvscvE4kcHRkDJ/s1600/Jasmine+and+Faeeda.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jasmine and Faeeda</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Jasmine (19): "My education is important to me because I know that without it I cannot make a success of my life. I grew up in a broken home - my father was on drugs and my mother was sick and depended on me. I also had the responsibility of looking after my brother and sister since I was 15. That's when I realised how important education is. Along the way I made some mistakes. I dropped out of school in Grade 11 and used drugs and alcohol to make me feel better. A friend motivated me to enroll at the School of Hope and soon after, I discovered I was pregnant. Now the most important thing for me is for my child to grow up in a loving home, finish her education and make something of her life." Jasmine has one daughter, 14 months old.<br />
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Thandiswa (21): "Many women end up single mothers and they need to be able to create a better future for their children and themselves. Today getting an education is easier than in the past so we need to grab the opportunity, we need to have the urge to complete our education. We need to break the chain of poverty in order to succeed. Education gives the opportunity for work and security for our children even when we are no longer there." Thandiswa has two children, a girl,3 years old, and a boy, 8 months old.<br />
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Jasmine and Thandiswa are both currently in Grade 12, and both want to study Education.<br />
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Shakeelah (18): "Without education it will be more difficult to get work, provide for your family and be independent. Jobs are few but by studying further and qualifying, you have a better chance at getting work." Shakeelah is in Grade 10 and wants a career in travel and tourism. She has an 8-month old baby boy<br />
.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIzIREU7uRKCEXxJYMrc2QDZCvTw0X37K5dv0I52fMk2Fi-J1I6w_znYvcSXCDhWQ1B10dRlLQLZeFABYVnynT6fFcricSZEAfH16XXeXNIEh9c9JbukwhkmhQ0nlMuhxsAEVpGlql19g/s1600/77455_10151331014793313_2019756581_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIzIREU7uRKCEXxJYMrc2QDZCvTw0X37K5dv0I52fMk2Fi-J1I6w_znYvcSXCDhWQ1B10dRlLQLZeFABYVnynT6fFcricSZEAfH16XXeXNIEh9c9JbukwhkmhQ0nlMuhxsAEVpGlql19g/s1600/77455_10151331014793313_2019756581_o.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fatimah (with daughter Ayeesha) is<br />
currently studying Humanities at Stellenbosch University</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
William Ross Wallace said it best when he penned these words:<br />
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<div style="line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 21px; margin-top: 12px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Blessings on the hand of women!<br />Angels guard its strength and grace,<br />In the palace, cottage, hovel,<br />Oh, no matter where the place;<br />Would that never storms assailed it,<br />Rainbows ever gently curled;<br /><b>For the hand that rocks the cradle</b></i><br /><i><b>Is the hand that rules the world. </b></i></span></div>
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Laura Collurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06713876310101795338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-41836468814406133212013-07-25T01:42:00.000-07:002013-07-25T07:16:10.370-07:00July News<br />
<b>More Than Just Alumni</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGun0hLA0qy8LrCyvdjYDmMq7y0IDZ3zMc9xG9PYNd0LyhYMO6DDsCVUaFbSq1vogBOpkzKkU01BY8vdvHcsCyaY_WE6SJ6aJ8S4yMtTOnB046d_eXS6UX43zxVGo89b77GPFajKiyLfI/s1600/soh+july.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGun0hLA0qy8LrCyvdjYDmMq7y0IDZ3zMc9xG9PYNd0LyhYMO6DDsCVUaFbSq1vogBOpkzKkU01BY8vdvHcsCyaY_WE6SJ6aJ8S4yMtTOnB046d_eXS6UX43zxVGo89b77GPFajKiyLfI/s320/soh+july.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Wilson Johnson, Human Resource Management student, and <br />
Maninho ‘Mr Shack’ (Music Producer – started his own record label <br />
called Shack Rekordz based in Cape Town).</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The School of Hope celebrated its first ever Alumni event this month, welcoming graduates for a night of impassionate reminiscing and great food. We know that it is important to not only forge relationships in the spirit of family, but continue to grow in fellowship even after our learners have left. The transition into the ‘real world’ can be quite challenging, so it was very encouraging to hear stories about how our past learners are championing. Equally important was that we were able to measure our success as a school. Afterall, giving hope through education is what we do!<br />
There was much anticipation on the day as we found ourselves trying to sort out last minute details. We quickly assembled the troops, and made our way to His People in N1 City to put together a décor that made the wait even more difficult. The atmosphere was rich vintage. Centred on each table was a picture of each of our graduates. The lighting was subtle and perfect for intimate conversations and laughter.<br />
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“The people at School of Hope are very friendly”, says Lunga Mdingi (22) who is currently completing his final year in Human Resource Management. “I now have a vision for my life. I’ve learnt that you don’t have to sit around waiting for things to happen. You must work hard to become successful”. Lunga, we are proud of you, and wish you all the best for your future.<br />
<br />
The school boasts graduates who are headed to make their mark in a variety of industries. From being a HR manager, owning a restaurant and publishing a cooking book, music producing; and successful entrepreneurship. “I’m currently running a business with my dad.” Together with her father, Mishqa Benjamin (22) who graduated in 2011 now transports school children. Go Mishqa - we need more entrepreneurs! Of course, these are just a few of the remarkable young men and women who have walked through our doors. We thank you for journeying with us this far, and we celebrate your successes and achievements. There is so much available to you, and we hope to continue this friendship for many years to come. Your lives are forever etched in our hearts.<br />
<br />
<i>Sipho Banda, Educator (English)</i><br />
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Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-22263490044153004422013-07-01T05:27:00.001-07:002013-07-01T05:27:10.163-07:00Meet Destino Nzonzidi, a Man with a Destiny
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My first time visiting School of Hope after I arrived in
South Africa, I had the privilege of meeting a remarkable young man by the name
of Destino Nzonzidi from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was blown away by how he overcame the
odds stacked against him.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This is Destino’s Story</i></span></div>
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My name is Destino
Nzonzidi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came to South Africa
from DRC (Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 2008.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was playing for the national soccer team in Zambia in
grade 12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We lost games in a
tournament and couldn’t go home because the fans were waiting to beat us when I
arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We feared for our lives.</div>
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My aunt told me I needed to go back to school, so I decided
to do that instead of pursuing a professional soccer career in South
Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried looking at
alternative schools to finish my education starting at grade twelve and was
placed in grade eight because my first language is French and I couldn’t speak
English very well.</div>
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When I started at grade eight in 2009, I failed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried again in 2010 and failed once
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone suggested I go to
English school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did that for two
months and when I finished, I came to School of Hope in 2011 and they enrolled
me in grade eleven! </div>
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I am a Christian and have always been one, even in DR
Congo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to the teaching,
we have devotions every morning at School of Hope and it helps me know how
to deal with the day-to-day problems that come my way and remind me of who I am
as a person.</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Is there a particular
person that went out of their way for you at School of Hope?</i></div>
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One person that greatly influenced me was a School of Hope
volunteer from England, Andy Lee, who also spoke French.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He helped me when I had difficulty
understanding English and would translate for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My marks improved and even though I’d failed grade eight in
another school, I was able to pass grade eleven with Andy’s <span class="st">tutelage</span>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What do you plan to do
after you graduate?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From here, I am pursuing a degree for three years and after
that I am willing to do my master and doctoral in Philosophy, Politics and
Economics (PPE) and at same time continue to run the political program I am
running now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What do you see
yourself doing in the future?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I see myself in the senate and as the future president of DR
Congo, fighting for equality, peace and love for the whole continent of Africa:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Equality for all of Africa in economical, politics and
social classes, whichever race you are.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- Peace for all of Africa, and to let the whole world know
that Africa is the home of war.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
- And to love one other as Africans, love our visitors, love
our nations.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additionally, I see myself participating in organisations
helping youth, like people have helped me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What is the one thing
that School of Hope did for you that stands out most?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They gave me knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost hope that I would graduate, but School of Hope gave
me hope and I started believing in myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what I am going through now and however big my
goals are, I am able to achieve them.</div>
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-63651292709869123172013-06-19T01:51:00.000-07:002013-06-19T01:52:34.735-07:00June News<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGlKJ1tG06bsdd_t2v2lhD2WzEy8PT4bfXTmVpHsqhN1KRUBh6NaKTH-lZriR-YbC5a-Et10YuJ3kH38j99lMcAXhheoP6PvcMvumANUWLXLrwbOVsoSD4E0b7I9d8aq2B3wBeuAQK9w/s1600/SOHJune.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGlKJ1tG06bsdd_t2v2lhD2WzEy8PT4bfXTmVpHsqhN1KRUBh6NaKTH-lZriR-YbC5a-Et10YuJ3kH38j99lMcAXhheoP6PvcMvumANUWLXLrwbOVsoSD4E0b7I9d8aq2B3wBeuAQK9w/s400/SOHJune.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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As part of the curriculum for Life Orientation, the Grade 9 learners learned about environmental stewardship - exploring the benefits of recycling and pollution reduction. They experienced service by cleaning up their local community, and demonstrated the importance of environmental justice (a concept first introduced in South Africa during the early 90s). They showed ownership and responsibility when they were asked to make a difference in their school community. The reality is that there are communities that receive little to no service in water, housing and waste reduction. Waste management is critical to energy preservation. We believe in preparing our learners (who were very much enthused on the day) to reach a point of confidence when discussing the effects of such issues. Moreover, they should always be geared to action!<br />
<br />
<i>Sipho Banda, Educator (English)</i><br />
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Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-52240757953000630142013-05-20T03:33:00.001-07:002013-11-09T21:54:04.524-08:00May News<br />
<b>Number Crunching : Measuring our Impact</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPujEAhxEcOwqvVB8ibzqxqgaOyl56wqEH1_m2FAzWJO4QYCUdoHXwHANgOA1CwOvvDXZ3kIISaxMvJmPvOq6T6MtQjpeiGgh0NF9fxJeiDWTU1OAIK-v1xD22oIOlWN6nS976T22urvhB/s1600/Simone+Special+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPujEAhxEcOwqvVB8ibzqxqgaOyl56wqEH1_m2FAzWJO4QYCUdoHXwHANgOA1CwOvvDXZ3kIISaxMvJmPvOq6T6MtQjpeiGgh0NF9fxJeiDWTU1OAIK-v1xD22oIOlWN6nS976T22urvhB/s320/Simone+Special+Award.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simone received the highest award for academic excellence at<br />
the College of Cape Town where she studied ECD in 2011-2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A total of 35 students have graduated from the School of Hope with a Matric Certificate since 2008. Where are they NOW? We know that 46% of them are currently studying and 43% of them are meaningfully employed.<br />
<br />
Simone van Der Berg (2008) studied Early Childhood Development management and is currently the Principal at Graceland preschool in Stellenbosch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Mishqa Benjamin (2009) started her own successful transport business and creche.<br />
<br />
Khumbula Mdende (2010) is in his third year of study at Cornerstone Institute in Cape Town. His amazing story of hope is featured here : <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NlpsVw3lTg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NlpsVw3lTg</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_8DN0QYA6VMledbFLwJPGcufrJlKYNnjbrGwxyYI09PcTDMNXpSD_rcU82fClZX7pKfAXzOpZf8iG63adc5kGhCTH8BVhL3s_WL_6eAPfOluqnpB1XYPat0GYWQDfz1KaIPskoo7YuM/s1600/SOH+may.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_8DN0QYA6VMledbFLwJPGcufrJlKYNnjbrGwxyYI09PcTDMNXpSD_rcU82fClZX7pKfAXzOpZf8iG63adc5kGhCTH8BVhL3s_WL_6eAPfOluqnpB1XYPat0GYWQDfz1KaIPskoo7YuM/s320/SOH+may.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manhino's studio</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Manhino Dias (2010) studied at Cape Audio College and is now part owner of Shack Records. He has produced dozens of tracks for up-and-coming artists.<br />
<br />
Noxolo Mdingi (2010) obtained a diploma in auxiliary social work and is currently working in the Langa area. She facilitated a successful intervention programme to help young offenders incarcerated at Polsmoor.<br />
<br />
Bianca Moyakhe (2011) has been permanently employed at Cape Union Mart since she graduated. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM54inCTcwm0hYFiWc-ypn7I1xVb20enL-6PbRzWe3hSjYR_v9kjZmOKbwuyxJrHogX-C9nfCo04n13djQpWDfLq3HYKocNYYqULot-gmuRr-g4T_zKBbKAMvImqYJLr_cUqi6FxX1jjvR/s1600/Thandeka+Deda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM54inCTcwm0hYFiWc-ypn7I1xVb20enL-6PbRzWe3hSjYR_v9kjZmOKbwuyxJrHogX-C9nfCo04n13djQpWDfLq3HYKocNYYqULot-gmuRr-g4T_zKBbKAMvImqYJLr_cUqi6FxX1jjvR/s320/Thandeka+Deda.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thandeka Deda arrives at Hugenot College <br />
to begin a new season in her life</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thandeka Deda (2012) is studying social work at Huguenot College in Wellington. She is currently doing her 3-month practical at Thembacare in Athlone.<br />
<br />
Fatimah Santon (2012) was awarded a bursary from Stellenbosch University to study Humanities. She recently posted the following on Facebook: ‘Students at SOH, you guys are so lucky. University is tough. A 300 word essay at school is fun compared to the essays we write here. Enjoy it and make the best of it. And appreciate the teachers because they spoon feed you (and i don't think they should). Do the best you can.’<br />
<br />
Aza Mahlati (2012) has started his own clothing label <i>Noni Nura </i>(<i>Young and Fresh</i>).<br />
<br />
Destino Nzonzidi (2012) is studying Political Science through UNISA and had the following to say about his first assignment: "I just received the result of my first assignment (Understanding the state, Political science) and I got 92%! This reminds me of my high school days, when my assignments were always outstanding."<br />
<br />
In 2013 we have 17 learners in Grade 12,the largest group we have ever attempted to matriculate. According to social worker Daryn Jones, who is responsible for Career Guidance at School of Hope, among them are chartered accountants, lawyers, social workers, mechanical engineers, teachers, journalists, chefs, flight attendants, IT technicians and auditors. We cannot wait to hear about their adventures in the future.<br />
<br />
Marvin Mentoor and Aldorechia Adonis are two of three 2012 students who did not pass in 2012. Instead of feeling sorry for themselves, they went to the Department of Education and asked to be allowed to write supplementary exams. Unbelievably, they were allowed to do so and they rewrote in February this year. This month they received their results and both have now passed Grade 12. Sometimes all we need is a second chance.<br />
<br />
The third student who fell short of a pass, is completing a vocational qualification in Hospitality at the Sustainability Institute at Lynedoch, Stellenbosch. We are just as proud of him as we are of our other alumni.<br />
<br />
Ultimately this takes us from an 80% pass rate to a 93 % pass rate for 2012, a full 10% above the national pass rate. Now these are numbers worth crunching!<br />
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Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-23225214003000100812013-04-17T03:18:00.003-07:002013-04-17T03:18:36.544-07:00April News<br />
Do you have happy memories of Camp?<br />
<br />
As I read Daryn’s report on our school camp, I realized how much has not changed a bit. A good camp still has all the elements you’ll read of below. Read and remember!<br />
<br />
‘Just before the school holidays in April, a total of 40 students and staff from School of Hope went on camp. Our location was Bridges of Hope, a tranquil place situated amongst the grapevines of Franschoek. Prior to reaching our destination, we stopped at Strand beach where we were placed into teams according to our school’s core values: Hope, Family, Responsibility, Transformation and Giving.<br />
<br />
Once settled, the Survivor themed contest began. Staff and students became fully emerged in group-building activities. The day at the beach caused much stomach-cramping laughter and brought out some healthy competition.<br />
<br />
Once at our destination, the team activities continued in the form of war cries, structure-building competitions and other strategic team-building activities. The students were also able to relax by the pool and soak up the beautiful surroundings. The most memorable event was Fear Factor where mopane worms, red chilies and a smoothie of sour milk, egg and Oreos were on the menu. Team members had to encourage one another in order to maintain composure and keep from retching. This, however, was not always achieved!<br />
<br />
In the evening we gathered around the camp fire and ate marshmallows while discussing life, love and everything in between. Our time at camp also included prayer and worship, where the students learned new worship songs and many were moved and drew closer to God.<br />
<br />
Overall, Team Family won the Survivor competition. Each member was given a new stationery hamper. The students and staff then packed up and headed back to school, stopping off at Mac Donald’s for an ice cream. Our time at Bridges of Hope was thoroughly enjoyed by all, brought us closer together as a family and made us wish we could stay a few days longer.’<br />
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Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-77239336020184966322013-03-15T06:45:00.000-07:002013-03-15T06:45:07.583-07:00March News<br />
<b>A new face at School of Hope and Thandeka starts the next phase of her journey</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZvLHw9BUjqbG3-KW7HFrpcyO1lSGVUU-PhWLtLrqPV6dcwvfZBTFm5DDHOHdJbhduqhFdMPpRE3IYmBMopq_6dwSHAlY-_Uf6m-gbAn-c6M0sFAlVjFZAH75-2zBADw7qsFjR1MZLaQ/s1600/Daryn+Jones+Social+Worker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZvLHw9BUjqbG3-KW7HFrpcyO1lSGVUU-PhWLtLrqPV6dcwvfZBTFm5DDHOHdJbhduqhFdMPpRE3IYmBMopq_6dwSHAlY-_Uf6m-gbAn-c6M0sFAlVjFZAH75-2zBADw7qsFjR1MZLaQ/s320/Daryn+Jones+Social+Worker.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Daryn Jones (social worker) has only been working at School of Hope since March 1st, but already she has made herself indispensible. What were we doing without her? She is always on the go, thinking of new ways to add value to the school and to offer the learners a better service. She organised an outstanding Career Week, launching the career development programme with great enthusiasm. Says Daryn of her new role: "This is a very challenging position but i feel inspired and passionate about it. I know I will learn a lot from the learners at the School of Hope."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdHLs-W5npV8zObTR0uJXaFvwwRdSe4PzMFe-8sds7XHOWczChJk5xwY0pR4VbyftiDcudVZsw5yv_a9f0lOG1Tq90BIFnMHb_TYzhNrC7nNkE_wmWNfRctUHu7kToUDpz6yPGInZFGs/s1600/Thandeka+at+Hugenot+College.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdHLs-W5npV8zObTR0uJXaFvwwRdSe4PzMFe-8sds7XHOWczChJk5xwY0pR4VbyftiDcudVZsw5yv_a9f0lOG1Tq90BIFnMHb_TYzhNrC7nNkE_wmWNfRctUHu7kToUDpz6yPGInZFGs/s320/Thandeka+at+Hugenot+College.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Thandeka Deda's inspiring story has been the subject of this blog before. This time last year she travelled to Sweden on an exchange programme. Later in 2012, she was named as School of Hope's Valedictorian and received a R20 000 bursary to further studies of her choice. Today she is making her dreams a reality. This month she started tuition at Hugenot College in Worcester, studying Auxillary Social Work.<br />
<br />
She joins many others who have gone on to tersiary studies: Lunga Mdingi, is in his final year at Damelin College, studying Business. Khumbula Mdende perseveres at Cornerstone Institute, now in his third year, studying Community Development. Kirsten Cupido is in her second year at Chefs and Hospitality Skills Academy. Fatimah Santon has settled into her studies at Stellenbosch University.<br />
<br />
We are equally proud of our working alumni, Nigel Prins working at the Boca West Country Club in Florida, USA, Thoriq Taylor at the Mount Nelson, Dawood Van Der Fort at Pick&Pay, Masakhane Mdende at Aubergines Restaurant, Manhino Dias, co-owner of Shack Records and Meghan Martin at American Swiss.<br />
<br />
On Saturday morning I was pleasantly surprised to bump into Bianca Moyakhe who matriculated in 2011. She has been working at Cape Union Mart since mid-2012 and has recently been transferred to the branch in my neighbourhood! I caught her in the act, in front of the camping gear on display at the Bayside Centre!<br />
<br />
Watching our learners graduate is a joy in itself, but seeing them make a success of their lives beyond School of Hope is the real reward for the hard working teachers and staff at School of Hope . They make us so proud!<br />
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Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-18364109395136640832013-02-13T02:44:00.000-08:002013-02-14T03:17:04.833-08:00February News<br />
<b>Matric mom, 19, gets an A for perseverance!</b><br />
This article appeared in two local papers in January 2013, following the announcement of the matric results.<br />
Words by Tanya Petersen.<br />
<br />
Fatimah Santon, 19, is proof that even when odds are stacked against you, anything is possible - even passing matric while taking care of your young child.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnrZ-ZWNX1iwUOI8UwQJukRKQKWvN95lTS24nSnVUM0jEO9k9a4CZ1N_UHeORK1Bb3R6158xLKlAqgiYYyJoCLKZ0TeugkRXb90hb27ftUAsYp_DQzEhtHmsqiiA2vSFeBU6ASNBeIFo/s1600/SOH1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnrZ-ZWNX1iwUOI8UwQJukRKQKWvN95lTS24nSnVUM0jEO9k9a4CZ1N_UHeORK1Bb3R6158xLKlAqgiYYyJoCLKZ0TeugkRXb90hb27ftUAsYp_DQzEhtHmsqiiA2vSFeBU6ASNBeIFo/s320/SOH1.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
At 15, Fatimah, from Portland in Mitchell's Plain, fell pregnant during her Grade 10 year at Spine Road High School. At the time she felt it best to leave school.<br />
Feeling despondent and with a baby on the way, Fatimah decided she had to go back to school. However, getting back into a mainstream school while being a mother was a bit tricky, she said. But she plucked up the courage and contacted the School of Hope in Bridgetown, which cares for children who struggle to continue their schooling at mainstream schools due to various circumstances.<br />
<br />
In 2010, on January 18th, Fatimah started Grade 10 at the School of Hope. ‘A'ishah, my baby, was only two weeks old when I went back to school,’ she said. However, in spite of having the responsibility of being a mother and having to do well at school, Fatimah stepped up to both challenges. Now, two years later, Fatimah is a matriculant boasting excellent results, including three A's. During the two years that Fatimah attended School of Hope, she has been the top achiever every year. Her results have been so impressive that she managed to secure a full bursary to study a BA in Humanities at Stellenbosch University. A very excited Fatimah told the Athlone News that she had never expected to achieve so much in spite of the odds being against her. She attributes her success to her parents, her daughter and the staff at the School of Hope. ‘The school places special attention on each pupil,’ she said, adding that the ‘special attention’ has a positive impact on all the pupils and it boosts confidence - which makes them feel as if they can achieve anything they set out to achieve. ‘Before I came to the School of Hope I was very insecure. I was also not open with my parents. Here you are someone. The teachers care here and it helps with confidence. At the School of Hope you are not just a number. When you are sad, they ask what is wrong.’<br />
<br />
Fatimah's secret to success is balance. ‘When I am at home, I am a mother. I don't bring school work home with me.’ She explained that she tried to complete all her school work at school and when she was able to she would stay after school to study. But the extra classes that the school offered on the weekends also helped her tremendously, she said. But, she added, she would not have been able to achieve everything without the help of her parents. ‘When I needed to be at school, they looked after my daughter.’ Her parents, Jamill and Camilla Santon, both agree that they are very proud of Fatimah. Fatimah says her daughter has been her motivation. In spite of falling pregnant at 15, she had a choice to make a success of her life or not - she chose to make a way to become successful. ‘There is always a way,’ she says. Her advice to people is to never give up. ‘Things that happen in your life can be overpowering, but you shouldn't stay focused on what you did - you need to see that it happened and move past it.’<br />
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Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-49577967929763429972012-12-11T07:35:00.000-08:002012-12-27T11:53:20.063-08:00<br />
<strong>Learners from School of Hope show “Hospitality” to ITS Solar, generous donors of the Thembalitsha Foundation.</strong><br />
<br />
The Grade 11 Hospitality Studies Class of 2012 presented their final practical, a three-course meal, to one of the Thembalistha Foundation’s loyal supporters, ITS Solar who are South Africa's leading heat pump and solar water heating supplier.<br />
<br />
Learners set a beautiful table and served the company's employees a tantalising menu comprised of a trio-of-fish starter and a hint of Moroccan cuisine for the main meal. The lunch ended off on a sweet note with a raspberry trifle topped with berry compote. Learners had an opportunity to practice their silver service and culinary skills on worthy guests. They also shared some of their inspirational stories.<br />
In a much-appreciated thank you letter, Director Riaan Honeyborne had this to say:<br />
<br />
"Ons by ITS-Solar wil net vir julle baie dankie se vir die ete wat julle vir ons voorberei en bedien het. Dit was baie lekker gewees en julle is enige tyd welkom om dit weer by ons te kom doen.<br />
Ons waardeer dit baie."<br />
<br />
The Grade 11 class has an 89% pass rate for 2012. Well done to them and to their amazing teachers for this outstanding result!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdFgwfmZ8xHM-ui6GNaNb86OxH0Swz5eiiu2w54vMNCZ2fKk1TdK0qqefbTaYjz3d3Ufh1hws-jnQJ8We8soxba90n2DRKoDvzWH1J4QueUhn_WI9yaaLIN_Logm0dkeTGYvUCA8RIjA/s1600/20121130_111627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdFgwfmZ8xHM-ui6GNaNb86OxH0Swz5eiiu2w54vMNCZ2fKk1TdK0qqefbTaYjz3d3Ufh1hws-jnQJ8We8soxba90n2DRKoDvzWH1J4QueUhn_WI9yaaLIN_Logm0dkeTGYvUCA8RIjA/s400/20121130_111627.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The students and their amazing creations!</td></tr>
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Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-19829394374964603062012-09-27T04:18:00.000-07:002012-09-27T05:57:34.312-07:00September News
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">Much can be said about the benefit of education and attending
school: it provides opportunity for personal growth, discipline and
problem solving, social interaction, purpose and future security. Besides all
these benefits, school life should prepare learners to launch,
equipped, into the world at large, a world of work and a world that
rewards diligence and entrepreneurship. Since not even a matric
certificate can guarantee everyone a job, we encourage learners to think of
themselves as job-creators and not just future workers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">One way we do this is through Market Day, a simple but
motivating opportunity to dream up a business idea, execute it and make a
profit. Or not. School of Hope's Market Day is an important part of
the Business Studies, Hospitality, Consumer Studies and Economics
learning areas, allowing our learners to put their theory into practice
... in a delicious way, if possible! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">This month's Market Day was a great success
as we had the best learner participation of all the previous years, which is a
key indicator that our learners are passionate about their future.<br />
<br />
Each class had a focus such as <i>East meets West</i>, <i>Cafe', Bistro</i> and
<i>Something Sweet. </i>They day was filled with laughter, lots of eating and
an impromptu dance floor that opened up for talented individuals to entertain
the crowds. The learners surprised everyone with the manner in
which they took responsibility and initiative and executed their plan with
enthusiasm and flair. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: "Franklin Gothic Book"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">In spite of torrential rain and what felt like a
hurricane raging outside, the Market was well attended. All the groups made a
profit and sold out of their product. The Chinese food was particularly popular
but also the special desserts, vetkoek and mince and samoosas were memorable.
In the end, every learner had an opportunity to see their ideas in practice, to
learn from their errors and to earn something by working smartly. Now that's a
lesson worth learning for our future entrepreneurs!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-40495201847862936592012-07-25T02:23:00.000-07:002012-07-26T02:50:04.368-07:00July News<br />
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School of Hope believes in giving back!<br />
In 2011 School of Hope developed a new Core Value. The value of GIVING: to devote or sacrifice something such as time or effort.<br />
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As a school this value exists as an expression of the generosity of others, it is imperative that we, in turn, give back to the communities in need around us. Our own transformation must result in compassion towards others. We value generosity of spirit which we express through community service.<br />
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This month we gave back to the community by collaborating with Habit for Humanity to build two homes in Mfuleni. The community of Mfuleni is a relatively new township located approximately 30 km from Cape Town CBD and is now home to around 25,000 people. Housing is a great priority in Mfuleni as nearly 40% of the community lives in informal shacks that lack water and electricity. There was no greater opportunity than being part of giving someone a home. For us the experience was phenomenal and we embraced every second with a kind heart. Here is what the students had to say:<br />
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Ishmael Moosa: “It felt good for me to build a house for someone else. I learnt that it is always good to give without receiving something as a prize or gift, seeing the smile of the home owner was my reward.”<br />
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Zandre Reid: “I learnt about team work, how to be committed and be a good leader. To me it felt good knowing that I could do something for some else and it was something meaningful.”<br />
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Dillan Saayman: “For the first time I got to see what it takes not to just think about myself but of others too.”<br />
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This experience has reminded us to put into practice living a life of transformation. The good things we build, end up building us!<br />
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<br /></div>Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-92046611429495347752012-06-19T13:53:00.002-07:002013-11-09T21:55:35.644-08:00June News<br />
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This month we commemorated Youth Day in South Africa but 36 years after the Soweto Uprising of 1976 the greatest crisis facing our nation is still education. The School of Hope has aligned itself with Symphonia's movement Schools at the Centre of the Community and Partners for Possibility in the hope of being part of the solution…And hope is what we have when we consider the fifteen Grade 12 learners currently writing mid-year examinations at the School of Hope. A small number? Perhaps, if you compare them to 120-200 matrics in large public and private schools. Yet each one has a story of courage and perseverance that makes the group seem larger than life.<br />
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Six have spent time on the streets; at least two of them for more than five years. Two head their households. One is the devoted mother of a three-year old. Three are refugees, far from their families and homes. Most know the struggle to survive first hand. They range in age from 18 to 24 years so, unlike most of their contemporaries in other schools, they have to make up for time lost in and out of school. All of them have extraordinary stories and the desire to complete their education and start a productive and meaningful life.<br />
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They are weeks away from a two-week trip of a life-time to New York. Then it will be back to Saturday classes, extra tuition, trial exams and the countdown to their final examinations. The challenges of their past will be far behind them as they join half a million Grade 12 learners nationwide in the most significant milestone of their school career.<br />
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This week they received blazers and badges, setting them apart from their peers at School of Hope to whom they have become an inspiration. The intention is to place on them a mantle of success, which symbolises our expectation that they will succeed, as students, as people and as leaders in their communities.<br />
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Please make this extraordinary group of young people the object of your prayers until the end of the year. Your investment in time will produce a high return. The nation needs them to succeed and if they succeed, we all succeed.<br />
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Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-72192603265840938412012-05-24T01:47:00.000-07:002013-11-09T21:58:01.873-08:00May News<br />
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Our Swedish Connection Continued!....<br />
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Last month we told you of the exchange students we received for a visit. This month it was our turn to go to Sweden!<br />
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Six of our learners and two educators participated in a unique cultural exchange. From the streets of the Cape Flats, learners were flown over the Baltic seas to a the country known for originating the Nobel Peace prize, and producing Volvo, ABBA , IKEA and Roxette. The learners landed in Sweden not knowing what to expect but excited for the unknown and for an experience they would never have dreamt of.<br />
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They had the opportunity to become a part of a Swedish family and experience life at school in a small town called Kumla. Our learners attended classes in arts, music, Spanish, physics, entrepreneurship, woodcraft and their favourite, sports. They played indoor soccer, squash and learnt Swedish folk dancing.<br />
During their time in Kumla, the town flew the South African flag in their honour. They were also invited for lunch at the municipal offices. Wherever they went, they were treated like royalty. The local internet radio station featured the group and allowed one of our learners to host the show which was later broadcast in the community television news station.<br />
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Our students formed friendships with teenagers from Iraq, Pakistan, Thailand, Bosnia and Somalia. They were filled with the richness of diversity and their lives were impacted by the simple life in Kumla. They also toured the historic city of Stockholm.<br />
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Families that hosted our learners opened their homes and allowed them to experience Swedish traditions, one of them being the tradition of removing their shoes before entering a home. Our learners speak warmly of how the table was laid for dinner and how special attention was made for their packed school lunches every day. They gave our learners an opportunity to share in the love and commitment they have towards being a well functioning society.<br />
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Sweden is rich in beauty and interesting in culture but what stole the hearts of our learners is the warmth and love they received from the small town of Kumla.<br />
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Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-40856986025188368112012-04-20T01:56:00.000-07:002012-04-20T01:56:37.336-07:00April News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSUyJfvi8p-Adtd-hb8qiQwDrh19AB3ciGJoyMPY-6Ki_DcPLgpkfnt3foJLp3v4nTz-seRE78mqHvKyahM9iTXDv57tjXoE9Idmp62lgB9E7cZwh6DhYH8eARnE_H8x1Iw0zF3iGurc/s1600/Swedish+exchange+students+at+Camps+Bay+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSUyJfvi8p-Adtd-hb8qiQwDrh19AB3ciGJoyMPY-6Ki_DcPLgpkfnt3foJLp3v4nTz-seRE78mqHvKyahM9iTXDv57tjXoE9Idmp62lgB9E7cZwh6DhYH8eARnE_H8x1Iw0zF3iGurc/s320/Swedish+exchange+students+at+Camps+Bay+Beach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Our Swedish Connection…</i><br />
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In March we added to our school family eight delightful people from a school in Kumla, Sweden. They arrived tired after the 26 hour flight, but excited to experience life in Africa. Nothing had prepared them for the sheer beauty of our shores, the sunshine and the warmth of our people. They did as much as we were able to fit in their itinerary: Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Boulders and Blouberg beaches, District Six Museum and the V&A Waterfront. However, they surprised us by claiming that meeting the courageous and friendly learners at the School of Hope was the highlight of their trip. Indeed, their learners and ours immediately hit it off they became part of our school life just as if they had always been part of it. They even complimented us on the food and took notes in class! It was difficult to say goodbye when they finally left to return to Sweden.<br />
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However, it won't be long before some of us are reunited ... in Sweden! Six of our learners and two of our teachers will be leaving for Sweden as part of the exchange on the 4th May and returning on the 16th May. The learners will be staying with host families in Sweden and will be part of school life in Kumla, a small town in Sweden. The exchange is funded in part by the Swedish Government, and partly by the fundraising efforts of the teachers, learners and parents of the School of Hope.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzplzOaYGPzV5uRa4hMt69yFZDf-ywPnf7coTlHjBofbJQL75Irau3QD4BLn_NwZRuqHJ7uimvGFbfKZFgY26xgNOUaOlnkMetRMX5aewq3z-sVINOlw64UOnCGavOjFAyu-_P4Bg2X44/s1600/Young+Men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzplzOaYGPzV5uRa4hMt69yFZDf-ywPnf7coTlHjBofbJQL75Irau3QD4BLn_NwZRuqHJ7uimvGFbfKZFgY26xgNOUaOlnkMetRMX5aewq3z-sVINOlw64UOnCGavOjFAyu-_P4Bg2X44/s320/Young+Men.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>Five Star Treatment for the amazing Matric Class of 2012!...</i><br />
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Ayanda Tini (Good Hope FM) and DJ's Lloyd and Lyle joined us in celebrating our amazing matrics at the 2012 Matric Dance. Held at the magical Tuscany Villas, every guest was a VIP! A special thank you to Angela Van Der Burgt from Wings Of Support who changed her flight schedule to be able to be here for the night to do the girls' make-up.<br />
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</div>Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6839721114450948011.post-61500010923439904122012-03-29T03:43:00.000-07:002013-11-09T21:58:38.438-08:00March News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The learners from School of Hope recently drew closer to nature in two amazing ways:<br />
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<i>We survived an Outward Bound Camp!</i><br />
At the end of February we had the opportunity to send 20 learners on the Outward Bound Camp. This is a very challenging outdoor adventure camp that stretched the limits of many of the participants. The notorious "solo" (surviving in the bush alone for a period of time) proved extremely difficult, but most of the learners survived and came back to tell the tale. In their words:<br />
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‘I had a great experience from raft building to the solo. I felt it as if I was having the best time of my life. I did all the challenges for the fun experience even though I found some of them very difficult. My backpack was heavy when I was hiking, but I went up the mountain and finished the hike.’<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Shargaan Bassardien</i><br />
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‘It was very beautiful, I enjoyed myself and had a great experience. It was my first time doing these kinds of activities. I would like to come back and do it all again. The week was great apart from the solo - I was wet and cold.’ <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i> Ismail Moosa</i><br />
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‘I had a great time with Outward Bound and all the aspects of the course. I learned a lot of things from this experience, I overcame my fear of heights. I found the mountain climbing very hard, but I did it. All the activities were great, but I never want to do the solo again.’ <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Shirleen Hendricks</i><br />
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‘I had a good experience, learnt many things including how to manage my anger. I never thought I could do activities like rock climbing, abseiling and hiking up a mountain. All these things taught me how to trust my team, myself and my leaders. I also learnt about self-control and self confidence. I would like other youth to come here even though it is difficult and challenging at first, it becomes easier and you end up being proud of yourself afterwards. I would like to thank my team members for motivating me and my instructors for leading me well.’<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i> Lizanne Martin</i><br />
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<i>We also joined the Treevolution with Greenpop!</i><br />
Twenty students and two teachers were part of an exciting tree planting on the premises we currently occupy. In three hours, we planted 29 trees with the outstanding facilitators from Greenpop. Their leadership was inspiring and very informative. The tree plant resonated with our values of HOPE, TRANSFORMATION, RESPONSIBILITY AND GIVING. Best of all, we did it as a FAMILY. We are committed to watering and nurturing each tree. We learned that ‘the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is right now!’ Our learners are looking forward to passing by the premises in 20 years' time with their children and being able to point and say, ‘See that big old tree? I planted that one when I was in school!’<br />
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Thembalitshahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131878327181274821noreply@blogger.com0