It was a celebration of diversity and differences.
People came together to celebrate 10 years of education, support, hope and love, which is what the Three2Six Refugee Children’s Education Project stands for.
A celebration was held on April 7 at the founding school, Sacred Heart College, for Three2Six’s 10th anniversary.
The project was established in 2008 and has grown over the years.
The project provides access to education for children who have not been accepted into mainstream schools in central Johannesburg.
Project founder and director Colin Northmore said, “It’s not rocket science, but it is magic. We bring together empty classrooms, children who can’t get into school and teachers who can’t find work. We add some financial support from our partners and then we have a wonderful programme that can help marginalised children access one of their fundamental human rights.”
The project does more than just provide education to refugee children.
“It also offers hope and encourages them to dream. It’s a community that’s the true definition of the African proverb ‘It takes a village to raise a child’. The project is one big family that looks after one another.”
The hall was filled with proud parents, learners, teachers and sponsors who came to share in the festivities.
Learners performed for the guests, telling their stories through drama and music.
Ivan Irakoze, one of the learners who started with the project in 2008, shared his moving story of how the project has been a positive influence in his life.
“We all came here as refugee children. Some poorer than others.
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“But we found a home away from home in Three2Six.
“The teachers became more than just teachers but our second parents and we will never forget the love we received and the hope they gave us. At the time it was just exciting for us to have a place to come and play and learn and receive meals. As I grew older I got to understand what Three2Six really meant to us,” said Ivan.
He is currently doing his matric and said his success is due to Three2Six.
“I want to be a teacher because through the project I have seen how a teacher can touch a child’s life and make a difference. I want to give back through my teaching,” said Ivan.
He rendered a poem written by him titled, The Refugee Children.
It spoke about the hardship they face as refugee children.
Three2Six provides three hours of education each day, from 3pm to 6pm which is where the project’s name comes from.
It also provides a meal each day, uniforms, learning materials and transport to ensure the children can travel in safety to and from school.
The project uses the South African Caps curriculum, teaching English, mathematics and life skills to ensure that the children can maintain basic learning until they can enter a mainstream school.
The project has grown over the years as 580 children have graduated from the project and transitioned into mainstream schools since the project started and today 300 children are enroled from Grade R to Grade Six across three campuses.
Also read: Sacred Heart and Three2Six meet for a day of educational fun
The project now has three host schools which are Sacred Heart College, Observatory Girls Primary and Holy Family College.
Northmore took the opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have been part of the project and they were given certificates as a sign of appreciation.
He also took the chance to thank the donors and sponsors who make the project possible.
“We are grateful to the founding anonymous Dutch donor who continues to give generously to the project.
“We are very grateful to Misereor, Miseo, Misean Cara, Mary Oppenheimer and daughters, Jesuit Refugee Services, Marist Brothers, Kindermissionwerk, The Breadsticks Foundation, Anne Frank House, JSE, HCI Foundation, Toms, DGMT, Australian Aid and many individual donors for their generous support over the years, the project would never be realised on a daily basis,” said Northmore.
The celebration takes place as the South African Human Rights Commission awaits feedback from various government departments to its Position Paper on Access to Basic Education for Undocumented Learners in South Africa.
The paper reaffirms that “all persons, regardless of individual circumstances, are entitled to access basic education” and makes significant findings and recommendations regarding South African government department’s implementation of its Constitutional and other responsibilities.
Three2Six also initiates a number of advocacy initiatives to help South Africans understand the challenges facing refugee children in accessing education.
“In a context that has often been characterised by xenophobia, violence and discrimination, we are proud to offer hope and a brighter future to these children.
“Three2Six is a space where they can feel they belong, where they can reach their potential and where they can experience warmth and generosity from South African communities,” said Northmore.
For information on the project contact Colin Northmore, Three2Six founder and director, 082 903 3754; Lynn Walker, Sacred Heart College marketing co-ordinator, 083 735 3350 or Bec Bromhead, Three2Six development co-ordinator, 082 348 4550.
