We do not choose our beginnings; however, we do choose our endings. – C.S. Lewis
But do we really?
Our Khulani Schools have demonstrated incredible resilience and excellence in their matric results this year. Siyabonga Secondary School achieved an outstanding 100% pass rate, Willow Crescent Secondary School secured 95%, and Eqinisweni Secondary School reached 83.7%. These achievements are particularly remarkable when compared to the South African national average.
Over the years, Siyabonga has consistently performed above both national and provincial averages. Willow Crescent has had fluctuating performance, with some years exceeding national and provincial benchmarks and others falling below. Eqinisweni has historically struggled, often performing below the Gauteng and national averages, with the exception of 2019 and 2020. However, 2024 marks a turning point for these schools, especially Siyabonga, which now outperforms national, provincial, and district averages.
So, what contributed to this success? We sat down with school leadership and learners to understand what they did differently to achieve these results.
The Ingredients of Success
At Siyabonga Secondary School, the educators took a proactive approach. The isiZulu language Teacher explained, “We identified high-risk learners who had progressed from the previous year, had one-on-one sessions with them, and held after-hours classes to help them catch up.” Teachers met regularly to strategize and problem-solve, with a significant focus on literacy, as many learners struggled with reading comprehension.
Support structures played a vital role. District officials, teaching manuals, and peer collaboration helped fill gaps. The new principal’s leadership and innovative teaching strategies ensured that teachers had the support they needed. Extra lessons were held on Saturdays, and night school was introduced to give matriculants the confidence and reinforcement they required. Teachers went above and beyond, working over weekends with no additional pay, to ensure that learners felt supported.
Siyabonga, a no-fee-paying school in Braamfischerville, also faced severe challenges with gangsterism. Addressing this required a collective effort, with parental involvement proving essential. “Every time Trevor Noah Foundation (TNF) team visited the school and did activations in the school, they motivated learners to dream again, provided tools, and helped shift their mindsets. The computer literacy program was life-changing – it’s one thing to receive a smartboard, but training on how to use it is another story. The psychosocial support from TNF is invaluable; I wish it for all teachers,” shared a teacher.
For many learners, academic success is deeply personal. One student shared, ‘I had a lot of siblings who didn’t focus or work hard in school, so I was very motivated to stand out from them. I decided to work hard and do my best to ensure I could get into university.’ This sentiment echoes the resilience and determination seen in this year’s matric results. Despite challenges, many students push themselves beyond their circumstances, striving for a brighter future through education.
At Eqinisweni Secondary School, the Departmental Head for English, who also serves as the TNF Coordinator, highlighted the importance of “team teaching.” Teachers shared knowledge and collaborated to strengthen their collective impact. Community involvement, particularly through the School Governing Body (SGB), played a crucial role in ensuring safety and cohesion.
Yet, challenges remain. Eqinisweni is plagued by overpopulation, poor infrastructure, and a dire shortage of furniture, with some learners forced to sit on the floor during lessons. In response, the Trevor Noah Foundation, in partnership with YouthBuild South Africa, is in the final stages of constructing a School and Community Hall through the Faranani Infrastructure Project. This facility will ensure that learners have a dignified space to learn and write their exams.
What Next? The Unfinished Work
What do these impressive results mean for our learners?
For many, the journey does not end with a matric certificate. The harsh reality is that despite their achievements, countless learners still struggle to secure university placements. Those who do gain admission often face an uphill battle, lacking the most basic necessities – toiletries, tuck money, and transport fares. Every year, we see long queues of hopeful students at universities, fighting for limited spots. We receive requests for assistance from learners in dire need of food and essential items – things that should be a given, not a privilege.
Despite the remarkable strides made, these challenges remind us that there is still so much more to be done. We celebrate our Khulani Schools’ successes, but we cannot rest until every child, regardless of their background, has access to quality education and the resources they need to thrive. Our work, while impactful, often feels like a drop in the ocean.
And so, we continue. We continue to challenge the barriers that stand in the way of our learners. We continue to advocate for systemic change. We continue to ask: Have we done enough? And what more can we do?
Because until every learner has a fair shot at shaping their own future, the work is far from over.
Prospective students queuing outside the University of Johannesburg hoping for admission. Some institutions do allow walk-ins, but online applications are preferable. Picture: Rosetta Msimango: https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/students-scramble-for-a-place-as-universities-burst-at-the-seams-20190115
