The most powerful education is one with service at its core
The Edenvale school holds a Saturday school programme called the Phumelela Programme in consultation with the principal of Ekurhuleni Primary School.
In the dawn of Mandela Month, many only feel compelled to give back on Mandela Day, but Holy Rosary School gives back throughout the year, every year.
The Edenvale school holds a Saturday school programme called the Phumelela (succeed) Programme in consultation with the principal of Ekurhuleni Primary School.
The programme invites the top-30 Grade Seven learners each year to participate in the five-year programme.
These learners live in the informal settlement of Dikatole in Germiston.
Most of them live in poverty, many are orphans and many live in child-headed households.
“Survival is often at the forefront of their minds and hope is a rare commodity,” said Kenda Knowles, the marketing manager of Holy Rosary School.
One of Madiba’s great legacies was his belief in the power of education.
He believed that: “A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination.
“But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.”
Phumelela does just that.
Learners get academic lessons and support, life skills, such as self-defence, swimming, first aid, and various sports.
They go on outings to places they normally have no access to.
“Above all, we hope to give them the opportunity to look beyond survival, set new goals and inspire them to hope,” said Kenda.
Most of the graduates of the programme have gone on to college, university or work, and are now in the position to begin a new journey of elevating themselves.
Service to the school, community, country and our planet forms an integral part of the wider education at Holy Rosary School.
“We believe that by making a meaningful difference to the lives of others, our girls will cultivate a social conscience to become active global citizens and make a positive difference in the world.
“This is achieved through service committees, outreach drives, the Debutantes programme, participation in the Johannesburg Junior Council and special events, ” said Kenda.
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