Scholars
FOCUS ON iTHEMBA
Scholars Programme
From 2016 the 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
Nurturing the Potential of Every Child
Every child in our Programme brings a unique combination of abilities, strengths and aspirations. Through individual attention and sustained academic, social and emotional support, we nurture their potential and help them grow as learners and individuals.
How this support shapes lives
- Our scholars build the skills and confidence to overcome challenges and make meaningful progress
- Our scholars grow in self-belief, take greater ownership of their learning and develop aspirations for their future
- Parents report increased confidence in supporting their children after attending our Parenting With Purpose Programme
Ultimately, we aim to see 32 children being supported, ages ranging from Grade 000 to Grade 12.
A Support Team Around Every Scholar
A core strength of the Programme is the combined offering of our Early Learning Specialist 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 Early Learning Specialist 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.
Our Social Worker advocates for the social and emotional needs of these children, supporting not only them but their families too. Her kindness, big smile and overwhelming sense of compassion 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.
