Noxolo Myeko, Busisiwe Mngomezulu, Nthabiseng Morajane and Nomusa Ngubane started at Mthimkhulu Primary School in Vosloorus in 2021. The JumpStart programme’s expansion in Ekurhuleni South benefitted in May, when INTASOL Tailings came on board as a sponsor, adding yet another school to the programme. Psychology student, Noxolo Myeko, talked about her experiences this year and shared her hope of making a difference to the children who’ve embraced her as their tutor. What were the challenges of 2021? Of the four interns starting this year, I was the only one with any child-related work experience. Initially, neither the teachers nor the principal knew much about the JumpStart programme, so we got off to a bumpy start. When the HOD brought us together and explained the expectations on all sides, we soon built a great working relationship. The tutors drafted a timetable to work with the teachers. After that, our team flourished. The teachers helped us identify […]
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Mental health matters!
Mental health is a topic that many sweep under the mat, feeling ashamed of it. Not so the JumpStart tutors at Kumalo Primary! They may have had a rough year… just like everyone the world over, but they’re talking about mental health. Covid-19, family challenges, financial hardship and then the violent looting affected many of our team. Despite this, Maria Nomgenye, Thulisile Mtembu, Unahina Hlungwani and Pule Morobi found a way to keep hope alive, and to comfort each other on dark days. Most importantly, they choose to stay focused on the children in their care who are learning the basics of mathematics. These vibrant youngsters reflected on how they keep things balanced when everything turns upside down. We’re going through the most… Thulisile Mtembu has noticed fellow tutors in the district who are struggling with stress. “Most young people in this day and age – including tutors like me – are breadwinners. Society was […]
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Kindness in the classroom on International Day of Friendship
Why do we celebrate international days of observation? They’re a chance to talk about important topics, to encourage people to address global and local problems as a community, and to share humankind’s achievements. At the end of a month where many witnessed horrific scenes of looting we promote a culture of peace on International Day of Friendship Amanda Mohlahlo and Nolwazi Ncobo joined the JumpStart team this year. Their commitment and vision of teaching kindness in the classroom is truly inspiring. Amanda Mohlahlo’s vision for Zamdela In the classroom I want to teach learners the values of relationships such as sharing, support and respect. For example when one learner does not have a pen or pencil I will ask the class if is there anyone with an extra one to lend. In that way I am teaching them kindness to others, to help those in need and also to share with those who don’t have […]
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Working for youth employment on World Youth Skills Day
On 15 July, the United Nations observes World Youth Skills Day. At the JumpStart Foundation, every day is committed to developing youth skills. This year we recognise and celebrate the remarkable young people who serve our youngest learners in under-resourced schools under the extremely difficult conditions they currently face. COVID-19 and tumultous times are a significant challenge. Context Africa has the world’s youngest, fastest-growing population. By 2030 – nine years from now – 375 million young people will be in the continent’s job market. The untapped potential and talents of young people and the so-called “youth bulge” are reasons that Africa’s potential as an up and coming economic powerhouse is often touted. However, stumbling blocks remain, including the mismatch between the skills of young people entering the workforce and the skills needed by employers. This mismatch is a major threat to Africa’s growth ambitions, as young people are not being sufficiently equipped with even the […]
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Maths & Music this Youth Month
This Youth Month, we took time to celebrate our tutors! With our partners at the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Sasol and others, we’re able to create opportunities for them to further their studies while making a big impact on the state of foundation phase maths in their communities. Maths Prof. in the Making “Professor of Maths in the making” is how Happy Mahlangu (30) views herself. Her pride in the maths marks at the end of the first term at Lyndhurst Primary is convincing. “This is a stepping stone towards my dreams and goals, knowing that I’ve impacted the minds of young individuals. Maths being their favourite, most enjoyed and best understood subject,” she said. Putting food on the table Given Moloi (19) is one of the youngest tutors in the JumpStart programme. That doesn’t stop him from having big dreams for the future. “My hopes for the future include becoming a qualified teacher […]
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