One of Mbombela’s fastest growing townships, Matsafeni, has become a home to many, but its education system has not yet favoured all the children.
This is where the PH Group Foundation comes in. Founded by Paulos Vilane during a trying time in the country in 2020, he has managed to gather 55 children for an educational programme.
“I did my research around Matsafeni and found there are lot of children not attending school due to circumstances such as migration, child-headed homes and just a lack of responsibility from some parents,” said Vilane, a retired teacher.
“After I registered the foundation, I knew I had to help those children who are at home without an education. I went around the community to seek sponsors of any kind. The church I attend, Cairnside Alliance Church, offered the church building to teach the children every Monday to Friday. I appreciate the help I have received from the community church, the stationery from local schools and the educated youth of Matsafeni giving their time to teach the children.”
Vilane said the classes have been operating successfully for the past month. He officially calls it the Alliance Preparatory Academy.
Together with community members who support the programme by offering their teaching skills, I have identified a few challenges. The 55 children whom we currently have from all over the township are between four and 16 years old.”
Getting the children to and from school is difficult, because they live far and most of them are girls. To ensure their safety, some of the community members and I wake up early in the morning to collect the children, especially the small ones, either by foot or by sponsored transport on some days. We encourage them to be on time so that we can instil discipline and leadership values,” he said.
“Classes start at 08:00 and continue until 14:00, so that we can give them the school experience just like the other privileged children.”
Vilane said education is his passion and seeing the children get excited to learn something new has been a great pleasure.
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“They remind me that I did not start this programme in vain, and I believe the academy will grow to cater for more children in a safe and conducive space,” he said.
Those who wish to see Vilane’s dream become a success, can call 076 226 8108.
