The 2025 Chronicle

hands-on support for the Eduhelpers. We have raised sufficient funds to choose an implementing partner that we feel confi dent will deliver a more holistic programme. Project champion: CPT Office EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY The aim of e-learning is to improve learners’ computer skills while giving access to outstanding learning content. Some of our footprint schools have been equipped with computers for the purpose of developing computer skills, but few of the class rooms are properly equipped with whiteboards, laptops, data projectors and the necessary security for ed-tech to take place. Many of the teachers are not equipped to use ed-tech and re quire training to move away from chalk and board. Our aim is to improve IT competence in our schools during 2026. We have allocated a project coordinator to ensure we know the gaps and are able to implement appropriate interventions. Project champion: Andrew Schaefer ST RAPHAEL’S St Raphael’s is the longest-running MCPT project, providing ba sic health care to the greater Michaelhouse community. The team consists of one medical doctor and three caregivers, who refer clients to the doctor at Balgowan Clinic if necessary. Our home visits and community involvement have highlighted sev eral scenarios which we intend to implement in 2026. These in clude but are not limited to: counselling sessions, transporting patients to the clinic, and assisting families with the obtaining of official documents. Starting in 2024 the St Raphael’s team put considerable focus on working in the schools, measuring the weight and height of the learners. The World Health Or ganization defines the double burden of malnutrition as “the coexistence of undernutrition along with overweight, obesity or diet-related non-communicable diseases within individuals, households and populations, and across the life-course”. Bear ing this in mind, learners are screened and referred to the Bal gowan clinic. Those who are stunted/underweight, as well as those who are overweight, receive care. So far, the team have screened more than 600 primary school learners. The team are very excited to have added basic optometry screening to their services. The aim is to screen learners on the same day as their weight and height are measured. We want to voice a huge “Thank-you!” to Spec-Savers, Maritzburg Arch, for training us, as well as donating the charts, lenses and other re sources. This has been an especially valuable service for St Ra phael’s to offer, as many rural learners will never be screened for vision problems during their school careers. As part of their social responsibility programme, Spec-Savers also provides a free full evaluation and glasses to needy children aged 6 to 12. In 2026 we look forward to partnering with Colgate to work on a dental care programme for our learners. Project champion: Mpho Phakathi IMPROVING SCHOOL FUNCTIONALITY During 2022 the MCPT signed a memorandum of understand ing with the MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal. In essence the document provides that on an annual basis the MCPT will

the school timetable; filling gaps in the curriculum; and running computer labs that help children learn to use computers. Our Eduhelpers have formed authentic bonds with one another and rely on one another for best practices and support when they feel they are overwhelmed. We currently have 25 Eduhelpers

placed in 11 of our footprint schools. Project champion: Akhona Sikhakhane

BOYS' SERVICE Service to surrounding communities is an integral part of the learning journey for Michaelhouse boys. Through the MCPT the boys can channel their service time towards valuable interven tions in our school communities. Emphasis is placed on their actual service and contributions at our footprint schools rath er than it being simply a tick-box exercise. Activities such as assisting learners with homework, reading, sport and art are encouraged. Under Mrs Roberts’s leadership, boys’ service has become particularly deliberate, with considerably more focus on adding real value to our partnership schools. Project champion: Peta Roberts MATHS PROGRAMME Paul de Wet, who initiated the programme, writes: “Mathe matics is an enabler of careers in science, technology and engineering. It is an excellent vehicle for teaching thinking. In 2021 only 35% of Grade 12s wrote the final core mathemat ics examination, only 20% passed, and only 5% passed with 60% or more.” Paul, under the auspices of the MCPT, has set up the Shaya Izibalo Mathematics Institute (SIMI), which hosts in-person teaching and revision workshops for learners and their teach ers. Each attendee receives a write-in workbook, which drives the teaching and learning, while ensuring engagement, cover age and efficiency. The workshops are available online to teach ers and learners to participate remotely, allowing for scale and geographic reach. These workshops have been endorsed and promoted by the Department of Education. Paul’s ambitions are to expand the programme nationally by developing its on line functionality. Our other Mathematics intervention programme is the Ligbron E-Learning System, supported by Edward Snell & Co, and rolled out at Jabula Combined and Shea O’Connor. The materials and equipment are delivered to the schools and safety is ensured. Online classes are delivered to the learners, with the sessions being recorded and kept available online for the schools to ac LITERACY In 2024 the MCPT raised the funds for a literacy programme to be implemented in Grade 4 at our ten primary schools. We partnered with an NGO named A Better Africa for a remedial intervention with our Grade 4 learners. After a year of working with ‘A Better Africa’ we have decided we need to find an im plementing partner that will focus on more grades (R-4), that is closer to our location and that will be able to provide more cess and recap when needed. Project champion: Paul de Wet

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