SnAPSA appeals for community support in a fight against school dropouts
Through grief counselling, mentorship, and academic support, SnAPSA has helped over 1 200 learners in Alexandra stay in school, but to keep the programme alive, urgent funding and community backing are needed.
Behind every child who drops out of school is a story, a loss, a struggle or a need unmet.
Southern Africa Partners (SnAPSA), a non-profit organisation based in Wynberg, listens to those stories and changes them for Alexandra children.
Since 2020, SnAPSA has been working in the background to keep vulnerable learners in school and on track through its Keeping Kidz in School (KKiDZS) programme. Now, as the need grows, SnAPSA is calling on the community and potential sponsors to help keep this programme running.
SnAPSA executive director Anthony Diesel said, “We’re not just keeping kids in school. We’re giving them reasons to stay, and the support they need to thrive. But this work cannot continue without urgent support from those who care about our children’s future. We are appealing to the community and people who may sponsor our programme to come forward.”
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Working with five schools in Alexandra, including Dr Knak Primary, Gordon Primary, Alexandra High, Kwa-Bhekilanga Secondary, and Minerva High.
The programme offers more than tutoring; it delivers grief counselling, mentorship, parent engagement, anti-bullying campaigns, teacher training, and dignity packs, all tailored to the realities learners face.
“So far, KKiDZS has reached over 1 200 learners, supported more than 180 parents, offered grief counselling to 50 learners, and provided exam prep workshops to over 240 students. Mental health sessions, delivered in collaboration with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, have reached even more.
“Importantly, the initiative also works with parents through home visits and workshops, recognising that education doesn’t stop at the school gates.”
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Diesel added that while the organisation had seen a noticeable decrease in dropout rates at participating schools, sustaining this momentum had become increasingly difficult.
SnAPSA is currently seeking assistance to cover core operational and administrative costs and 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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