This Mandela Day, 200 learners from LEAP Science and Maths Schools will join volunteers in constructing a massive Nelson Mandela Day mosaic made of food cans. This will be the largest can mosaic ever created in South Africa.
Built in Canal Walk Shopping Centre’s Food Court, the completed mosaic will consist of over 29 000 food cans donated by Rhodes Quality and members of the public. “We invite everyone to join us for 67 minutes or more, in what is sure to be a historic event that will ultimately help us to continue provide quality education to all our learners,” says John Gilmour, Executive Director of LEAP Science & Maths Schools.
The mosaic is constructed by staff of participating corporate sponsors and members of the public who are encouraged to donate additional food cans. The food cans used in the mosaic will be distributed by students from the Langa and Philippi LEAP Science & Maths Schools to social community projects in their communities. These include the Kuyasa Soup Kitchen which provides hot meals to elderly and vulnerable people; Ithemba Lethu providing extra tutoring to primary and high school leanrers in mathematics, science and life science; Kwesu, a sewing project for unemployed women focusing on local economic empowerment.; Realistic, an organisation working to prevent ex-prisoners and at risk youth from re-offending with training and life skills; Educare Centres in Langa and feeder primary schools in the community.
Lindelwa Mini, Principal at LEAP Science and Maths School in Langa says, “We want to help our learners to become more conscious of social justice issues and the importance of giving back. All LEAP students are required to volunteer their time at social development organisations within their communities at least once every term. They are encouraged to view the social responsibility programme as part of their learning, to develop empathy and leadership skills which are crucial in supporting academic performance.”
There are six LEAP Science & Maths Schools located in some of the most marginalised communities in South Africa, including two based in the Western Cape. These low-fee schools have consistently obtained more than 90% pass rates since inception.
“At LEAP we believe that our leaners represent the greatest hopes of their communities and that educating our children is only the first step in true social transformation. Ultimately we want to see entire communities transformed, family life restored and children flourishing,” says Gilmour.
The LEAP schools in Langa and Philippi were able to achieve a 91% and 92% respective matric pass rate in 2017 thanks to funding from partners such as the Hyprop Foundation and other corporate and individual donors. .
More information about LEAP Science & Maths Schools
LEAP Science & Maths Schools’ approach to education is multi-faceted with interventions staged at different levels. Through initiatives aimed at different target groups we have created an education alliance that brings sustainable change. From learners to teachers to community leaders and education stakeholders we have a broad network of partners that form the LEAP learning community.
For more information visit: http://leapschool.org.za/ or follow us on Twitter @leapschools or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/leapschool/
