From a pre-school called St John’s in Benmore to Vuleka High School in Randburg, Vuleka comprises a multitude of schools for pupils of all ages.
Their work is synonymous with Human Rights Day which South Africans celebrated on 21 March because they make the right to an education a possibility for many hopeful minds.
The word vuleka in this instance means to open minds, or be enlightened. The headmistress of Vuleka High School, Lizbe Pieters explained why this was such a fitting name for the group of schools as they impart knowledge to many pupils who grew up in townships.
Pieters said 74 of the 280 pupils at Vuleka High School were on scholarships from the Alexandra Education Committee, sponsored by corporates and other donations. These scholarships include school fees, a school uniform and transport to and from school.
Vuleka is not only in tune with the pupil’s right to an education, but also ensures that the pupils do not go hungry. Pieters explained that the school provided e-pap, which is instant mielie meal, to any pupils who did not have a substantial meal at home. She said this was the only food that many of the pupils had during the day.
Pieters added that the Independent Schools Association of South Africa was funding the education of new teachers for their schools. She was particularly proud of one matriculant of Vuleka High who was now a trainee teacher at one of the education group’s schools.
The Morningside Rotary Club had also been generous to Vuleka, said Pieters. They provided solar lamps, books and stationery to pupils. She added that before this generous donation, many of the pupils had to study in meagre candlelight.
According to Pieters, when many individuals come together, there are infinite possibilities for positive change.
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