SnAPSA appeals for support to keep their schools’ programme running
From grief counselling to exam preparation and mental health support, Southern Africa Partners (SnAPSA), a Wynberg-based non-profit, is addressing school dropout at its roots in Alexandra, but to continue, it needs urgent funding and local support.
Since 2020, Southern Africa Partners (SnAPSA) has been quietly transforming futures in Alexandra through its Keeping Kidz in School (KKiDZS) programme, and now, the Wynberg-based organisation is calling on the community to help expand its life-changing work.
Operating in five Alexandra schools, including Dr Knak Primary, Gordon Primary, Alexandra High, Kwa-Bhekilanga Secondary, and Minerva High, the initiative targets the root causes of school dropout, offering holistic support to vulnerable learners and their families.
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SnAPSA executive director Anthony Diesel said so far, more than 1 200 learners have been reached through enrollment, mentorship, psychosocial interventions, and academic tutoring.
“The programme has also conducted more than 180 parent consultations, delivered grief counselling to 50 learners, held anti-bullying sessions for 150, and provided exam preparation workshops to 240 students.
“Through its partnerships, including with Sadag, SnAPSA has hosted six mental health sessions and distributed over 450 dignity packs.”
Diesel added that the success of the programme is built on a deep understanding of the interconnected challenges learners face.
“We’re not just keeping kids in school, we’re giving them reasons to stay, and the tools to succeed. But we can’t do it alone. We urgently need support to continue reaching the children and families who need us most.”
Key pillars of the KKiDZS programme include psychosocial counselling, teacher training, after-school academic support, and ongoing collaboration with local community organisations.
“Importantly, the initiative also works with parents through home visits and workshops, recognising that education doesn’t stop at the school gates.”
Diesel added that while the organisation has seen a noticeable decrease in dropout rates at participating schools, sustaining this momentum has become increasingly difficult.
SnAPSA is currently seeking assistance to:
- Cover core operational and administrative costs.
- Launch a capital campaign to secure a permanent training and programme facility in Alexandra that will house digital literacy training, mentorship, and workshops for the community.
“For as little as R200 a month, donors can help provide school supplies, weekly mentorship, counselling, and safe learning spaces for a child. Every contribution counts,” said Diesel.
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