Quality education for a new generation of leaders
JOBURG – St Mary's is looking for potential donors for its educational programme aimed at helping less-advantaged children.
The St Mary’s Foundation is asking members of the public and businesses to help fast-track access to quality education for disadvantaged children, including those in Alexandra, through generous donations to secure a brighter future for them.
The foundation was established as a vehicle to help secure a good education for bright minds coming from disadvantaged areas through bursaries and by holding Saturday classes.
It said said by contributing toward socio-economic development, corporations who donate to the foundation are eligible to claim significant tax benefits, can elect to have their donation allocated to a specific programme, or have the foundation allocate the funds as they see fit.
St Mary’s also assists teachers in townships around Johannesburg to empower themselves by advancing their teaching skills. “This is all made possible through programmes funded by generous donations from the public,” said St Mary’s Foundation development manager, Gillian O’Shaughnessy.
Since 1990, the Community Affairs High Schools’ Project has provided supplementary teaching for high-ability pupils from townships around Johannesburg. St Mary’s hosts them in Saturday classes where they receive extra lessons and one-on-one attention from dedicated volunteer teachers. This year, there are 300 pupils enrolled in the programme, ranging from Grade 10 to 12.
The St Mary’s Foundation Teaching Bursary Programme aims to provide financial assistance to young women who want to pursue a teaching career. Funds collected for this programme pays for the tertiary study for prospective teachers.
“Teaching a child today is nurturing a potential leader and role model for tomorrow. We are committed to helping pupils reach their full potential because financial limitations should never be a barrier to achievement,” said O’Shaughnessy.
“No donation is too small and we urge the public and corporates to show their support to the foundation in any way they can.”
Details: Anele Cebekulu 011 887 6591; anele@gullanandgullan.com
