South Africa has one of the worst performing education systems in the world, ranking far below both developed and many developing nations in early childhood literacy and numeracy - statistics which give clear indications of the future prospects of a child and a community.  Sadly, the worst hit are the poor black and mixed-race children of the rural towns and villages. 

The Kusasa Project was founded in 2007 by Dave Riordan and Doug Gurr to help offset the effects of this on the poorest children by addressing Foundation Phase education for girls and boys in the Franschhoek Valley of the Western Cape.  We do so by providing nutritious meals to over 1500 children each day (recognizing a hungry child cannot learn) and a comprehensive full-time education for 120 students in our own independent, fully certified Early Learning Centre, (for Grade 0 thru 4) with an internationally formulated curriculum and teachers who are well trained and motivated to teach the whole child. 

Our ELC provides not only a proper school environment, but also parent outreach with parenting skills training, social support and community engagement.  We have specific programs working with young girls - an especially vulnerable group in these communities - to build self-confidence and to motivate them to reach for the stars in whatever area they may desire. 

In addition to the nutrition program and ELC, the Kusasa Project has for the past 10 years provided intensive tutoring and mentoring for older students with a particular focus on study skills and career guidance at a perilous time for poor and vulnerable children.   Children in our programs have gone on to careers in Accountancy, Tourism, Social Work, Nursing and most recently we have a young man who is attending Law School having completed an undergraduate Law degree at Rhodes University.  From a shack to a law firm - a success story indeed.

The most critical need of The Kusasa Project is that of attracting and retaining outstanding teachers.  With all funds raised independently (i.e. no government funding) we must constantly look to provide financial stability necessary to ensure the ongoing sustainability of our school and to give these dedicated individuals some level of financial stability.  One teacher's salary is approximately £10,000 per year and this year I am riding to raise enough to make a significant contribution to that number and thus ensure our kids have the guidance they so badly deserve.  One teacher can teach 20 children and have an impact for a lifetime.

Any support you can provide is hugely appreciated and will bear fruit for many years to come in the form of an educated child.

www.thekusasaproject.org