“Things which changed since partnering with Kaross Foundation: There is an immense improvement at the school. Most learners are able to read English with understanding. Learners are highly disciplined they wear the correct uniform. They write their homework. The enrolment of the school is increasing every year.
Educators have confidence. They gained understanding on how to teach English. They are highly motivated. They enjoy their work. They motivate learners. They are able to address problems pertaining to their learners. Parents participate in the education of their children,” said Nomsa Mhlongo, principal of Manyunyu Primary.
“As learning is a lifelong experience I saw an improvement in how a school as an organization is being run not as an individual but as team,” said Mapimele Ngobeni, principal of Nwajaheni Primary.
“Things which changed since partnering with Kaross Foundation: There is an immense improvement at the school. Most learners are able to read English with understanding. Learners are highly disciplined they wear the correct uniform. They write their homework. The enrolment of the school is increasing every year.
Educators have confidence. They gained understanding on how to teach English. They are highly motivated. They enjoy their work. They motivate learners. They are able to address problems pertaining to their learners. Parents participate in the education of their children,” said Nomsa Mhlongo, principal of Manyunyu Primary.
“As learning is a lifelong experience I saw an improvement in how a school as an organization is being run not as an individual but as team,” said Mapimele Ngobeni, principal of Nwajaheni Primary.
“The Sondela Open Dialogues Programme helped me understand what education is and how it is helpful in making me finding what l want to from life and what I want to be in life. I now feel free to ask for help with my personal challenges from people around me without fear of being judged. Now, l strive to work towards being a better version of myself,” said Khensani Nukeri, Mapheto Secondary School.
“It has helped me to stand in front of my classmates without any fear and to ask questions when I didn’t understand what my teacher was saying. I can safely say that l am confident now to do things I couldn’t do previously,” said Onhloletse Mpakhuke, Solani Samson N’wamitwa Secondary School.
“The Sondela programme helped me gain confidence. It also made me realize that education has no disadvantages. When I realized this, I became more committed to my studies. It gave me more confidence. Now, I have started to think about my future, my success, my dreams and who I want to become,” said Masechaba Mabunda, Mahwahwa Secondary School.
Total Vision FM listeners are estimated to be more than 300 000.
This is the number of direct beneficiaries in 2022. This does not include educators and learners indirectly impacted by the improvement of teaching and leadership of management.
Principals: 4
Deputy principals: 4
Educators: 27
Learners: 187
Principals: 4
Deputy principals: 4
Educators: 53
Learners: 1763
Caregivers or educators: 8
15 parents through the parenting workshop at Vhulakanjhani Primary School.
Principals find the Community of Practice to be valuable and that they could apply some of what was discussed.
Principals feedback about what they learned during the community of practice was that they learned about maintenance of infrastructure (Nomsa Mhlongo, Manyunyu Primary) and teamwork (Nada Muhlonhlonyi, Mahwahwa Secondary):
“Share the impact ‘Valued Citizens Initiative’ is putting on the learners to see the value of education and their responsibility towards the community they are staying in,” said Derek Mathonsi, Solani Samson N’wamitwa Secondary.
“As learning is a lifelong experience I saw an improvement in how a school as an organization is being run not as an individual but as team,” said Mapimele Ngobeni, Nwajaheni Primary.
“I’ve loved when we shared best practices in our respective schools. The need of infrastructure maintenance plan and having a checklist,” said Makhanani Sithole, Vhulakanjhani Primary.
Principals feel that they can trust Kaross Foundation to deliver on their promises.
Upon asking how principals perceive the meetings with the management of the Kaross Foundation, none described it as ‘not helpful’ or “take too much time”. All principals described it as encouraging and 43% found it helpful.
Feedback from Valued Citizen’s Initiative about the programme for educators:
“The Values in the Lead Programme for educators and Strategic Planning Mentoring and Support sessions, provided our educators, School Management Team and School Governing Body with a convenient platform to reflect on their approach when engaging with each other, learners and parents. They understood the value of collaboration realising that in order for the school to reach its educational outcomes, all parties need to commit to act towards their plan and add value instead of judging one another. Manyunyu Primary School reported that they had begun to reap the fruits of their determination and diligent teamwork because everyone now understood the vision of the school, worked effectively together, learning to embrace open communication and accountability. Overall, the programme strengthened the moral of the teams in the schools while challenging individual educators on what their contribution would be in moving their schools forward.“
Everyone that attended felt that they learned something and that they will come again.
“I learn about, how can we build strong children, to value them, listen to them,” said Vutomi Nukeri, Xitsavi daycare.
“To value ourselves, love our children, have a good heart, and spend good quality time with our children,” said Bongani Baloyi, Dyondzekani daycare.
During the radio talks with Vision FM, parents take the time to ask questions and ask for Kaross Foundation to do more presentations on the radio.
All teachers use the Fun with English books and many teachers complete the book within the year.
All principals found the academic support given by Kaross Foundation helpful and primary schools are satisfied with the programme.
61% of English teachers attend the Fun with English workshops. We aim to improve this number for 2023 by having workshops at each school instead of only at one location.
Most teachers find the workshops useful with relevant content, organised and easy to understand, and that it increased their knowledge.
All teachers feel they can apply something of what they learned at the workshop; 74% of teachers “could apply some of what was learned” and 26% said they “could apply everything that I learned.”
