South Africa: Education for refugee children
The Terre Des Hommes partner organization »Three2Six« offers children from refugee and migrant families a bridge school in which they are prepared for attending a state school. A dream came true for the 16-year-old Amida.
"I will do my best to perform well here," says Amida. "And I am very grateful to everyone who supported me on my way." Because her most intimate wish has already fulfilled: Amida visits the Holy Family College in Johannesburg.
Help with a donation
For a 16-year-old it may sound for a matter of course, but that is by no means for Amida. Her parents came to South Africa when she was still a child. Like many other refugee and migrant families from the Congo, Zimbabwe or Uganda, they found shelter in the dilapidated city center of Johannesburg. But without a regulated residence status, families cannot register their children at a regular school. Many girls and boys are thus denied their elementary children's right to education. Amida was lucky that she came to the bridge school through the program from Three2six. "From there I always had support and something to eat," says the girl. "Or just someone who listened to me when there was trouble at home."
“I want to be a doctor. In my quarter I see people every day who are not doing well. One day I want to help people like that. "
Preparation for the state school
Around 300 children from the districts of Observatory and Yeoville benefit from the project. In addition to teaching in the bridge school, the girls and young teaching books, school books and school uniforms receive. Three2Six also takes on the registration fees and the costs for the school bus - and children in need get a warm meal three times a week. After all, it cannot be learned with growling stomach.
A particularly beautiful development: graduates of the program are often returned to help on a voluntary basis. Once a month, Three2six organizes a day for school children with homework help, play and sport. The former - just about everyone has a school leaving certificate - are role models for many children who motivate them to take their chance.
Mark Pottterton, head of Three2Six, is impressed by the motivation of his students: »The Corona pandemic has seriously added to the families. Many parents had trouble making money, «said Pottterton. “Nevertheless, the children continued to go to school. Your resistance always gives me hope. "