(SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM TO MEET OUR NEWEST TRUSTEE)
As 2024 wraps up, and our adjacent neighbourhoods are bustling with children enjoying the festive freedom of the December break, we reflect on another incredible year of impact and achievements – made possible by you, our valued supporters.
Thanks to your generosity, we provided the highest-quality education and care to children from highly under-resourced communities. With no government funding, donor contributions covered 93% of our expenses—a vital R6.7 million—while families contributed the remaining 7%.
Academic Excellence in 2024
The Kusasa Academy continues to set benchmarks for educational excellence:
- 135% of the academic teaching hours compared to the average local school, ensuring enriched learning opportunities.
- English, a second or even third language for our learners, achieved an impressive average score of 76%.
- Mathematics results were equally commendable, with learners attaining an average of 78%.
- Coding instruction was introduced this year, with learners receiving 105 hours of hands-on digital skills training.
- 22 Grade 4 learners graduated from The Kusasa Academy, marking the start of their next educational chapter.
Whole-Child Development
Beyond academics, your support enabled broad-based nurturing:
- 377 hours of music and dance, fostering creativity and joy.
- 42 exciting field trips that broadened horizons and created lasting memories.
- 46 sport and culture clubs, introducing learners to new passions and skills.
- In partnership with Isabelo Charity, we served 56,940 nutritious meals this year. They even brought the magic of Christmas to life with gifts for every learner and staff member, a reminder of the warmth that community can bring.
Transformative Interventions
Holistic assistance for the specialised needs of our children and their families continued to play a crucial enabling role this year:
- Teachers conducted 122 home visits, strengthening bonds with families and understanding learners’ home environments.
- 351 hours of occupational therapy.
- Eye screenings for 60 children led to the provision of 5 pairs of spectacles.
- 80 audiology screenings addressed hearing challenges.
- 39 families helped by our social worker
- Plus 151 additional instances of various medical and social support provided.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for another transformative year, we celebrate the impact of your kindness and commitment. Thank you for helping us create a space where children not only learn but thrive.
Give the Gift of Education This Christmas
This festive season, celebrate the spirit of giving by raising funds for The Kusasa Project instead of receiving gifts.
Start your campaign on GivenGain today and make this Christmas unforgettable—for you and the Kusasa kids!
Jaap Hamman: First Impressions of The Kusasa Project
The Kusasa Project is delighted to welcome Jaap Hamman as its newest Trustee during 2024. Jaap spent 27 years in Corporate Retail, ending with stints as CEO of two of the largest clothing & homeware brands serving South Africa’s lower to middle income markets. His experience in those markets clearly shaped his thinking to “make a difference” and “give back”. Today he is a strategic partner for business owners, assisting for growth and success. Jaap has energetically served on several public school governing bodies, underpinning his strong conviction of the importance of education for South Africa’s success and its youth’s survival.
These values align perfectly with the Kusasa Project’s mission to provide children with access to quality education and brighter futures.
During his first visit to the school, Jaap was struck by the cheerful smiles, warm greetings, and laughter echoing across campus—reflecting the safe, nurturing environment The Kusasa Project fosters. The unwavering dedication and positivity of the staff left a lasting impression, showcasing their commitment to transforming young lives.
Jaap was particularly inspired by our ability to deliver best-practice education as an independent school relying almost entirely on donor funding. Our focus on holistic development and support for children from disadvantaged communities deeply resonated with him.
“It’s a privilege to be part of The Kusasa Project,” Jaap shared, expressing his excitement to contribute to our impactful work. We are honoured to have him on board and look forward to the positive difference he will help us achieve!
From all of us at The Kusasa Project, we wish you a festive season filled with love, reflection, and inspiration. May 2025 bring you hope and happiness.