Jabez Christian Academy celebrates 20 years
Jabez Christian Academy in Bendor celebrates 20 years of growth, marking two decades of academic excellence and faith-based education.
POLOKWANE – Jabez Christian Academy recently celebrated its 20th year existence with an impressive tableau, custom-made cupcakes and enough to drink during an event in the school’s parking area.
From humble beginnings in 2006
In an interview, Principal Dr Elana Erasmus said that the school started in 2006 with seven teachers and 36 learners comprising Gr R-9, and rented the premises of Agapé Church for a year.
They then relocated to the old Springbok Hostel at Tom Naudé Technical High School, where they rented until 2024.
Of the original seven teachers, Erasmus and teacher Daphne Nyirenda (originally Gr R, now Gr 1 teacher) are still part of the current staff consisting of 20 staff members and nearly 200 learners.
Consistent academic excellence over the years
The school’s first matric class wrote the IEB examination in 2009 and from then until now the school has had a 100% matric pass rate with three years of 100% bachelor passes.
New chapter with relocation to own premises
During 2024, the school relocated from its rental space at Tom Naudé to the school’s own property at 90 Kleinenberg Street in Bendor, realising the dream of its learners to have a swimming pool and tennis court on the premises.
Christian values at the core of education
“As Christians, we have two primary responsibilities, namely transforming ourselves and transforming our world,” Erasmus believes and quotes Romans 12:2 ”Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (NIV).
Faith-based education and lifelong transformation
According to Erasmus, this process of becoming Christ-like is a life-long transformation of an individual’s lifestyle, way of thinking, attitude, and behavior which serves as the beginning of a wider transformation –the Christian community impacting the world.
Erasmus elaborated on the significance of Christian schooling and explained that Christian schooling is not just an effort to attain academic excellence.
It goes beyond striving for good character and spirituality.
“It includes preparing our future Christian generation to face contemporary challenges.”
Vision for future Christian generations
“The kind of Christian community we will see in the future depends on the quality of today’s Christian school as it molds the next generation,” Erasmus firmly believes.
“Sending our children to Christian schools is not just one of several options available, it is a legitimate strategy in forming quality future Christian generations in order to transform the community toward a better living situation,” she added.
Two decades of impact and continued growth
“Throughout the past 20 years, this vision to equip learners to develop Godly character while ensuring academic excellence remained the same and by God’s grace our current learners and alumni are impacting the world by living the Godly character instilled in our school through academics, sport and cultural activities.
“We give God all the glory,” Erasmus said.
“With a sound academic foundation and integrated Christian principles we offer a school where we are living according to God’s word, and we celebrate 20 years of raising up young men and women in principles that our world sorely needs,” Erasmus concluded.
