iThemba Scholars
FOCUS ON iTHEMBA
iThemba Scholars Programme
From 2016 the iThemba Scholars Programme was initiated where boys and girls of our partner Pre-Schools who demonstrate strong academic qualities are awarded donor-funded scholarships to attend Waterfall Schools from the age of 2-3.
Located on our iThemba Campus, Waterfall Schools, encompassing Waterfall Pre-Primary, Waterfall Preparatory and Waterfall College, offer quality education from 12 months to Grade 12. These coeducational independent centres of excellence provide quality holistic education with a caring, innovative, personalised approach interwoven with Christian values, community outreach initiatives and affordability. The schools are members of ISASA (Independent Schools Association of South Africa).
17 children from Grades 000 to 12 are currently being supported within the Programme:
- 100% of the cost of each Scholar’s tuition, stationery and books is covered
- A Programme Manager adds value by monitoring and evaluating the progress of the Scholars
- A resident Social Worker provides the necessary social and emotional care to the Scholars and their families
- Parents of the Scholars attend our Parent Training Programme
The Programme is Unique
The Programme is unique in that it aims to support the social, emotional and academic development of each Scholar, understanding that each one is different and carries his/her own potential. We believe in the benefit of working closely with their teachers, parents and our social worker to provide the child with a well-rounded learning experience, and invariably, the skills needed to succeed in life.
Ultimately, we aim to see 32 children being supported, ages ranging from Grade 000 to Grade 12.
The Core Strength of the Programme
A core strength of the Programme is the offering of a Programme Manager and Social Worker. These positions are held by two formidable women who make it their mission to ensure that every scholar receives the support they need to learn, grow and thrive. Our Programme Manager is responsible for the on-going monitoring of each child’s academic growth and helps us identify areas in their journey that require further intervention.
Through regular check-ins with teachers, she ensures that we stay well informed of their progress and respond swiftly to needs which sometimes require the expertise of our Social Worker. This amazingly compassionate woman provides the necessary emotional and social support to not just the children but to their families too. Her kindness, big smile and friendly demeanour endear her to our Scholars, and it’s through her careful and considered approach to managing situations that she garners their trust, love and respect.
When considering the growth of our Programme and the diverse needs of every scholar (both present and those to come), we cannot go without recognising these ladies for the crucial role they play in nurturing the hearts and minds of all the children in our Programme.
