South Africa has the strongest economy in Africa, accounting for approximately 25% of the continent’s GDP. With a stable business infrastructure, there are opportunities available for South Africans to break the cycles of poverty and AIDS that have plagued them for far too long. But the country suffers from one of the largest gaps between rich and poor in the world, largely due to the severe disconnect between the education system and South Africa’s developing marketplaces. Job-seekers and employees are increasingly required to attain technical skills, which can be hard to come by in rural areas that lack everyday necessities such as running water and electricity. The goal of Thanda After-School’s computer program is to give kids the skills they need to reach for upward economic mobility while keeping their ties to and supporting their local communities. Our innovative curriculum includes fun activities that engage the students while exposing them to a high degree of creativity, collaboration, and autonomy. The students enjoy a meal together at the beginning of each class before settling down to work on their computer projects, complete their homework, or learn essential life skills that they can apply to their everyday situations. Students walk away from our computer program with the technical skills now required to attain jobs and even the capacity to start their own businesses. In addition to giving students this practical instruction, Thanda’s computer program empowers vulnerable children to feel pride in their work and appreciation for their surroundings, which will hopefully propel many of them to become leaders in their communities.
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