As South Africa marks Human Rights Day on 21 March, students from Stellenbosch University (SU) are playing a part in supporting the right to education by volunteering at the Legacy Centre in Kayamandi. They support high school and primary school learners with their academics and help create a safe and supportive environment.
Serving the Kayamandi community since 2001, the Legacy Centre continues to make a difference by supporting children through academic programmes that strengthen their academic performance. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
A number of students from SU volunteer to be the tutors at the Legacy Centre. There are 15 SU students that go to the centre every Monday between 16:00 to 18:30, said Kelly Clarke, a third-year BCom (International Business) student and volunteer. “I have seen that the scholars now have the confidence to ask for help without feeling a sense of judgment,” said Enkosi Poyo, a second-year BAcc student and fellow volunteer at SU who is part of the programme as a volunteer.
The Legacy Centre supports Grade 1 to 11 learners from surrounding schools with homework, incomplete school work, and personal growth. They offer a range of programmes, with students from SU playing an active role in supporting the learners and have a positive impact on their lives. “Helping the students has been so rewarding, and we work with the same students every week, so we can really see bonds forming between the students and volunteers,” said Clarke.
Learners from Grade 1 – 7 in the playground with volunteers from Stellenbosch University. During these activities, they enjoy supervised play during their breaks after completing their schoolwork. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
According to their website, the centre also offers a range of modules with different focus areas. One of the programmes, Ukusebenza, enables learners to explore various career paths and identify the subjects required for each field, while the IT skills module equips them with essential computer literacy.
Beyond academics, Abongile Gxuluwe, a sports facilitator at the centre, said the programme ensures a balance is maintained between academics and sports by having a set time for both. Khanyisa Mgudlwa, another facilitator at the centre, noted significant improvements in learners’ academic performance, adding that many have grown through the programme.
After a full day at school, high school learners settle into an after-school Maths session with Khanyisa Mgudlwa. This programme sharpens their skills and builds their confidence in their academics. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
“It really helps with my schoolwork because there are tutors who explain the work I didn’t understand at school,” said a Grade 11 learner at the centre. “My dad is usually not home when I get back from school, so having a tutor really helps,” she added.
Clarke confirmed that seeing light in the eyes of learners when they understand work they previously struggled with has been incredibly rewarding.
However, Martmarié Cloete, the operations manager added that there have been challenges with the students. “Sometimes, there’s bullying and sometimes the kids are struggling at home, and we have a care department that investigates those issues […] and we also have trauma counselling every week,” said Cloete.
Yet, Clarke added that it has been rewarding to see learners thrive in a safe and supportive environment, surrounded by people who are passionate about helping children.
As South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day, SU students have helped advance access to education while creating safe, supportive spaces for young learners.