Presentation to:

South African Extraordinary Schools Coalition.

7 August 2013Janice Seland

Our Philosophy• We provide support services to learners and

teachers in Catholic schools • Our work in schools is aimed at facilitating

quality and values based education for children in impoverished communities by responding to their physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

• Our skills unit also provides co-ordinating support to 32 faith-based skills centers that provide skills training to out-of-school youth.

Our values Catholic education has as it’s core the universally

applicable values prescribed by Catholic Social Teachings, namely:

– Respect for Human dignity– Working for Community and Common Good– Ensuring Rights and Responsibilities– Option for the Poor and Vulnerable – Participation– Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

Our Footprint• Most of our schools are located in the poorest

areas of the poorest provinces – former homelands:

– 174 395 children in 347 Catholic schools– 92% of learners are black and previously disadvantaged– Most of these schools are in rural areas– 75% of schools are Public Schools on Private Property– 28% of learners are Catholic

Education Access Project “EAP”

EAP – Origins

• Commenced in 2002• Initially a bursary project for the payment of school fees• But effective learning requires more than payment of fees and

support was then offered for:– Nutrition schemes– Transport to and from school– Books and stationery– Health need– School outings, sports and special occasions

EAP – Requirements

• Schools invited to apply if:– Fees are less than R12 000 per annum per learner– Have sound administration and financial procedures

• Schools selected will have to:– Enter into a letter of agreement ( 3 year period )– Comply with the conditions of the grant.– Form a selection committee and chaired by the school principal – Provide financial reporting / external annual audit performed– Narrative reporting on learners– Participate in other catholic education initiatives

EAP - Achievements• Support provided in:

– 2002 317 learners 31 schools– 2013 756 learners 41 schools

• Funding has exceeded R25 million in 10 years• Project remains meaningful and vibrant and has expanded to help schools

with other initiatives, such as:– Fund raising and new funding models introduced, namely;

• Named learner program• Special needs (remedial and psycho-social support)• Educational (excluding infrastructure) and equipment

These additional options broaden the benefits for the school and they can now apply for additional learner support for a better quality of education.