Creating Hope

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:

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.

Learners should want to perform, present and learn with their peers.  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.  One learner in particular displayed great confidence. Her voice was strong, and she was very good in her delivery. Something has happened in that learner.

So, with all the other important business that comes with teaching, I know that creativity is splendid and should always be encouraged in class.

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.

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: Water is Life. This is 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 Cape Town Month of Photography that will showcase in October 2014 as an Official World Design Capital Project.

The exhibition opened on the 3^rd 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 Water is Life, 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 public program 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.”
 
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".

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.

Remembering ... and speaking out!

Remembering

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.

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!'.

Educator Sipho Banda and Social Worker Daryn Jones accompanied the learners

Upcoming Human Rights Day (21 March) was put into perspective during this experience

Speaking Out!

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.

Next year, we go for the medals!

Siyanda Seteni and Siphesihle Mzukwa bottom center

Pictured here with proud English teacher Sipho Banda

We are home!

We are home!

After an arduous seven year search, the School of Hope has new premises!

Sipho Banda and Laura Collura

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.

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.  

Our beautiful 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.

School of Hope

Unit 27A&C

Waverley Business Park

Mowbray

Cape Town

7925

 Phone:  (021) 447 0334                                                                     

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!

Nothing hits home like this gem of advice from an experienced educator:  

“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.

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 noughties is that you get to capture snapshots like this. The lively and colourful trend of spontaneous music continues in the new premises.

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.

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.

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.

Three Outstanding Young Men

At our recent Awards Evening, we celebrated the achievement of many students and three young men in particular. These are their stories.

Goldman Gambiza

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.

Thabo Zaba

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 that 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 see the revolution in me! 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.

Chuma Mdingi with Educator,
Ade Oyewo

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! 

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.  

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 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!! Joanne awarded R4000.

The donor of this year’s Denver Andreas Award is Inkomba Energy. 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.

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!

Rite of Passage: Matric Dance 2013

In 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.

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.

The hand that rocks the cradle

Many 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.

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.

We asked our learners why education is important to them.

Jasmine and Faeeda

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.

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.

Jasmine and Thandiswa are both currently in Grade 12, and both want to study Education.

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
.

Fatimah (with daughter Ayeesha) is
currently studying Humanities at Stellenbosch University

William Ross Wallace said it best when he penned these words:

Blessings on the hand of women!
Angels guard its strength and grace,
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place;
Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world. 

July News

More Than Just Alumni

Wilson Johnson, Human Resource Management student, and
Maninho ‘Mr Shack’ (Music Producer – started his own record label
called Shack Rekordz based in Cape Town).

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!
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.

“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.

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.

Sipho Banda, Educator (English)