Past education policies have contributed towards the creation of two societies in South Africa. A small minority (mostly whites) has passed through a high quality education system leading to excellent, internationally acclaimed qualifications, employment opportunities, high income and a quality of life comparing favourably with most industrialised societies. The majority of the population (mostly black) was subjected to an inferior education system, leaving them unable to gain meaningful qualifications, remaining unskilled, unemployed and unemployable. Where employed, most will fill the ranks of the lowest paying unskilled or semi-skilled jobs.
In the new dispensation, high quality education is only available for those who can afford it. This again excludes those who need it most.
TSHWANE COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE is dedicated to the development and provision of relevant accessible quality programs and services for formal education, skills training, income generation, all inclusive child care, financial support for learners and trainees to support previously disadvantages South Africans in their struggle for the attainment of human dignity through economic self sufficiency. In consultation with local communities programmes addressing the above needs have been established and expanded since 1989.
Currently we are involved in the following:
Income for the various projects' facilities and running costs for the different programmes have for the past years been generated by levying tuition fees from participants, and by utilising an annual subsidy from the State for the school.
Development of infrastructure and facilities have been severely hampered by our dependence on the income derived from tuition fees. The section of our target population most in need of the offered programmes, can least afford the cost involved.
We have reached a stage where much needed expansions had to be put on hold due to a lack of funding.
It is the objective of the Board of Directors to secure external partnerships both for the upgrading and extension of facilities and for the expences incurred in conducting the programmes and services. This would assist in securing ongoing affordable services to our target population.
TSHWANE COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTRE was established as a Section 21 (non profit) company to coordinate planning and fund raising. In cooperation with a team of experts, the Directors have developed a detailed three year CAPEX projection;
Year one: Upgrading of existing buildings
Infrastructure development
Completion of junior school
Upgrading children’s homes
Three dwelling units, destitute children
Year two: High school facilities
Sports grounds
Two staff dwellings
Two dwelling units, destitute children
Swimming pool
Year three: Common hall/gymnasium
Three dwelling units, destitute children
Two staff dwellings
Present priorities are: Class rooms and ablutions; Admin offices and staff room; Improvements: Roads, electricity, water; Sports grounds.
A group of specialists compiled a Proposal for Development in 2001. Long term planning includes a Further Education and Training College. More information will be supplied on request.
If you are interested in any way partnering in this venture, please contact us.