Siphiwe Vilakazi, head of uBambiswano Saturday School, a St Andrew’s School for Girls programme, takes a look at what community means during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In a time when being physically distant and physically separate have become important, there is no greater need for community and connectedness.
“The world may not be the same post Covid-19.
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“South Africa may not be the same after lockdown, but in defeating a common enemy, human beings have never been closer or more united,” said Vilakazi.
Vilakazi said the economic, social and educational implications of the pandemic will be devastating.
He added schools and educational organisations, like St Andrew’s School for Girls and uBambiswano, are more relevant and necessary than ever before.
“Not only to educate and help learners to follow the curriculum and pass their exams, but also to support and prepare learners socially, emotionally and physically for their futures in a changed world.”
uBbambiswano is a mindful strengthening society and is a collective responsibility, said Vilakazi.
Now going into its third decade, he said the community initiative has many achievements to celebrate.
“As we started our 30th year, celebration was first and foremost in our minds.
“Now, three months into 2020, we realise it will be a turning point for our organisation and our learners.”
He explained the school is already reaping the benefits of their involvement in the Daveyton and Etwatwa communities.
“Our learners are happy, engaged and excited to learn.
“Our programme focuses on the whole child, which we believe is essential for their development and learning.
“By giving students a strong foundation and self confidence early on they feel empowered to achieve,” said Vilakazi.
uBambiswano’s beneficiaries are disadvantaged, as stated by Vilakazi, not only in their community life, but also their school life.
He pointed out many of the schools in their communities suffer from a lack of direction and vision, which results in teaching and learning being compromised.
“All of this has brought about a whole different set of challenges for our learners.
“Increasingly, we need to be actively involved in learners’ lives beyond the classroom.
“There is a great sense of urgency to engage in the communities we serve in a way that will tip the scales, gain momentum and bring about meaningful progress,” said Vilakazi.
Part of uBambiswano’s vision needs to include seeking opportunities to engage collaboratively and in partnership with other organisations.
In doing so, he said the bonds between private, public and third sectors must be strengthened so all sectors are working together – in short, are stronger together.
“This interaction can lead to creative and innovative solutions to the pressing educational and social problems in our learners’ communities.
“Problems will only be exacerbated by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown,” said Vilakazi.
In the midst of it all, he said we must not forget who uBambiswano serves: the learners and their families.
Ubambiswano is rooted in the needs of their beneficiaries.
“These collaborations allow us to consolidate our relationships with schools, provide support, share best practice, and provide guidance and encouragement.
“We look back at the leaps and bounds made since Mr Frank Simmonds expressed his vision.
“His vision to share the resources and facilities enjoyed by St Andrew’s with the community of Daveyton in 1990, and imagine ways that we can build on this foundation.
“We begin to set new goals for how we will set ourselves up for success, and work hard to achieve those goals,” said Vilakazi.
As an organisation, uBambiswano is committed to playing an active role in transforming society, and to making a meaningful contribution to education in South Africa.
The students of uBambiswano (both former and current) have achieved academic and personal success as a result of their involvement with the Saturday school programme.
Vilakazi added it is these satisfying results which have motivated and energised the school for the past 30 years, and continue to motivate the school as it moves bravely forward hand-in-hand with their partners and beneficiaries into this new world.
“A world where new, productive and safe communities are formed in order to allow us to grow and prosper,” said Vilakazi.
