At the Nokuphila School, every learner is representative of a brighter future for the community. The school's dedication to providing its learners with holistic education goes beyond academics — it provides the kind of safe space where children are not only offered the support to thrive academically but also learn valuable life skills that support social-emotional skills and resilience, says the school. 

The school says that the year-end campaign is a direct appeal to those who wish to play a part in this mission by sponsoring the essentials for learners in need, particularly the Prefects as they step into important leadership roles.

Having successfully opened its high school with its first class of Grade 8 learners this year, the school is preparing for its first Grade 9 class in 2025, and as the need for resources grows, it is looking for individuals or companies to help sponsor school uniforms and stationery packs for its students, says the Nokuphila School. 

According to the school, while most uniform costs are borne by the families, Nokuphila relies on donors to help support the cost of its Primary and High School Prefects' blazers (Grades 7 and 9 at this point) and special shirts and ties for the Grade 8's as they are welcomed into their high school careers. Each piece, simple as it may seem, serves as a symbol of achievement and belonging.

The Impact of Belonging

As a faith-run donor-funded school that prides itself on providing excellent quality education, Nokuphila says that its values are rooted in the belief that equality and access are essential to building strong, resilient young minds. For its learners, having a complete uniform and quality stationery fosters a sense of pride and belonging. 

This foundation is particularly significant for the Grade 8 and 9 learners, who need supplies like Maths sets and scientific calculators to succeed in subjects that set the groundwork for future studies and careers, adds the school. 

Uniforms are more than just attire — they represent inclusion in a centre of academic excellence. The Grade 8 learners receive their new Senior jerseys and ties which are symbolic of their transition into the high school and motivate them to take pride in their continual progress, says the school. 

Nokuphila says that Prefects are selected in Grades 6 and 8 and will represent their school as the leaders in both the Intermediate and High School Phase in 2025 (Having then moved into Grades 7 and 9). The Prefects at Nokuphila act as role models within the school and its broader community and wear formal blazers and ties to signify their leadership roles.

By providing these items, the school says that it empowers these young leaders, boosting their confidence and reinforcing the values of responsibility and service to others.

Every Contribution Counts

With rising costs, these essentials carry significant weight with the stationery packs for Grades 8 and 9 coming to approximately R760 per learner, given their need for more advanced items like scientific calculators. For the school's younger learners, the stationery costs are approximately R500 per student for the year, says the school. 

According to the school, all contributions go towards aiding the continual progress of all 383 learners, bringing them not only the tools they need to succeed but more importantly the sense of unity and pride that comes with wearing their school uniform. Donors who support the Prefects sponsorship can participate in a special handover ceremony, presenting the Prefects with their blazers and ties — a proud moment for both the student and the sponsor.

How To Help

By getting involved in this effort to equip the class of 2025 for the year ahead, Nokuphila says that people are not merely donating supplies but investing in a hope-filled future that pushes these learners forward to continue pursuing their full potential.

The Nokuphila School offers several ways to get involved in this campaign:

  • Individually sponsor a uniform for a Grade 8 learner or leader. The costs come to R200 per learner.
  • Sponsor stationery sets: learners in Grades 8 and 9 costs come in at R760 per pack, and the primary school learners are R500 per learner.
  • Any donation is welcome, as every bit counts in their bid to raise over R50 000 towards getting the learners to the start line, fully equipped for 2025.

Nokuphila School concludes by inviting everyone — corporates, community members and families — to make the 2025 academic year one of empowerment, progress and community building. Every donation is a commitment to the success of its young leaders who are ready to make a positive impact on the world around them.

For more information, contact mmatsiem@lovetrust.co.za or 010 023 7370.

*Image courtesy of contributor