Education without borders

Education without Borders (EwB) provides educational opportunities for disadvantaged and at-risk children through initiatives in South Africa including after-school support programs in mathematics, English, science, school leadership and youth mentorship.

EwB has focused its first efforts in South African township schools because problems are significant, including:

• Impoverished, overcrowded townships rife with crime & violence.
• Hopelessly overcrowded classes of about 50 children per classroom.
• A significantly high drop-out rate between Grades 11 and 12, meaning many students do not complete their schooling. Many students drop out needing to earn a living to support their families.
• A lack of jobs (approximately 60% youth unemployment) which means many formerly good students are forced to turn to drugs and/or crime.
• Inadequate technical aids and resources for teachers.
• Exclusion from the education system. During the apartheid era, very few children had the opportunity to graduate from high school. Some of the teachers in township schools are still suffering from the effects of discrimination.

EwB initiatives include after-school support programs in mathematics, English literacy, isiXhosa literacy, science, school leadership and youth mentorship.

EwB is currently operating at Mseki Primary in Gugulethu, Nyameko Primary in Mfuleni, as well as at Bellville South Primary schools. EwB is also working with Grade 12 learners at Fezeka High, Bellville South High, Manzomthombo High and Athlone High.