Short description

Adopt-a-School Foundation supports the creation and enhancement of conducive learning and teaching environments in disadvantaged schools across the country. Initially, the organisation was largely focused on providing infrastructure support, however, over time the foundation realised the importance of addressing school leadership and learner issues as well in a holistic development approach known as Whole School Development.

Need

Academically, the low rates of numeracy and literacy in schools has been a huge cause for concern. Improving schools cannot happen effectively if the infrastructure environment or academic performance is targeted in isolation. Interventions should consider the schools’ holistic development to understand where the gaps are and how these can be filled.

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Overview

The Adopt-a-School Foundation came into existence in 2002. The organisation falls under the umbrella of the Shanduka Foundation which includes three other Shanduka social and economic development initiatives. The foundation currently has 264 adopted schools.

The Whole School Development approach aims to improve and uplift the academic, infrastructural, social and security environment in schools. This approach also aims to ensure that schools have the necessary management and community leadership skills. The model looks at several issues that affect the school including: leadership, communication, school safety, security learner welfare and infrastructure, among others.

To be eligible for adoption, schools must show evidence of their school’s need. When initiating relationships with adoptee schools, thorough needs assessments are carried out. From these assessments, the organisation compiles project proposals for funders highlighting and prioritising an array of the school’s needs. The organisation also seeks to empower local communities by using small local businesses for infrastructure projects.

Adopt-a-School Foundation has a well established relationship with the Department of Basic Education. This relationship is essential to their work as the Department is tasked with signing off on building plans for schools. They work with the Departments of Social Development to help learners access grants as well as the Department of Home Affairs for families needing documentation. The foundation collaborates with other NGOs that work in the education space.

What we like about this organisation

The organisation has a strong relationship with the Department of Education and believes buy-in from school governing bodies and management teams are crucial to the success of their work. The staff are divided into two specialised teams, one for dealing with infrastructure development and the other with skills and social development.

What difference can your money make?

  • R10 000will buy a mobile science unit
  • R250 000will contribute towards the building of one classroom
  • R750 000will allow the organisation to build a computer laboratory and pay for the equipment (which includes 20 computers) furniture, security system and computer training

Volunteering opportunities

There are several ways volunteers can help the organisation:

  • Taking part in a campaign where one uses their birthday or any special organisation to ask others to make a donation to Adopt-a-School Foundation
  • Take part in an adventure such as climbing a mountain or cross country travel to raise funds for the organisation
  • Contact the organisation about lending a hand at one of the disadvantaged schools they work with
  • Nominate Adopt-a-School Foundation as a beneficiary for the My School campaign