(SCROLL TO BOTTOM FOR AN END-OF-YEAR MESSAGE FROM OUR TRUSTEES)
Today, something seems off-beat in the courtyard of The Kusasa Academy. Usually the excited yells of children fill this space. But now, only a gentle silence remains as the 149 smiling Kusasa-kids have left for their festive holiday. Just a week ago we celebrated our Grade 4s in a tearful ceremony where they placed their names on the graduation board in the foyer, rang the school bell and said their final goodbyes.
As the year wraps up, staff are scrambling to get their tasks completed and getting the school ready for the new year. As one takes a moment to reflect, it’s easy to see the remarkable impact the project, and its generous donors, has had on so many people.
To our donors we say thank you. You carry us each and every year. We consistently cover the majority of our costs with donations as we do not receive any financial aid from the government. This year, your donations have contributed 93% of all expenses adding up to a crucial R6,270,066. The parents and caregivers of our learners have also worked hard to pay the remaining 7%.
Academically, the academy excelled in 2023. We are happy to report that we:
- had 60% more academic teaching hours above the average of other local schools;
- all of our learners are non-native English speakers yet they have achieved an average of 76% for English language subjects;
- Mathematics received an average achievement of 75% and;
- 24 Grade 4 learners graduated from The Kusasa Academy in 2023.
We know academics are always important but it is essential for children to be children too. With your generous donations we were able to foster this notion. You contributed to 5940 minutes of happy, engaging dancing. We were able to take the Kusasa-kids on 42 field trips and outings and we made 50 winter and summer sports and culture clubs available for them to discover and explore possible passions.
The Kusasa Project has always prioritised quality early and holistic developmental methods, an aspect of our school’s ethos that we celebrate. This year we provided an array of much needed “whole child” interventions:
- 378 hours of occupational therapy.
- 58 children underwent eye screenings and remediation.
- 11 pairs of spectacles were provided.
- 60 children underwent audiology screenings.
- 2 children received hearing aids.
- 31 families benefited from social work.
- Staff members conducted 110 home visits.
- Plus assistance with 126 cases of other forms of medical and social help.
As every year passes, we continue to see how the support of our friends and the collaboration with other initiatives enhances the sense of togetherness. Our dear friends at the Isabelo Charity enabled The Kusasa Project to serve 59 004 meals this year! They even invited Santa Claus to visit us and brought every learner and staff member a Christmas present this year.
Looking back, last January feels like a heartbeat away. We laughed, we cried and we had so much fun. In hindsight, after the dust has settled on the chaos that is the year-end of a school, we can’t help but marvel at the brilliance of what you are helping us to achieve.
The Kusasa Project wishes you a festive season filled with joy and reflection. May you be surrounded by loved ones as you enter the new year with a new tune of inspiration in your heart.
If you are interested in making a Christmas donation for The Kusasa Project, you’ll find more information here.
Thank You From Our Trustees
To our generous donors,
As the year draws to a close and we prepare to spend time with our families over the festive season, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible support our organisation has received over the past year. It is with immense pleasure and a sense of accomplishment that I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of our donors.
Your generosity has been the bedrock of our success, allowing us to reach new heights and make a lasting impact on education in our community. Coming from a family of teachers, I know how important the work being done at The Kusasa Project is. Whether you supported salaries, infrastructure development, or innovative fundraisers, your contributions have been instrumental in transforming the lives of the children in The Kusasa Academy.
In reflecting on the past year, I am struck by the ripple effect of your donations. From the enthusiastic faces of students benefiting from enhanced resources to the tangible growth of our educational initiatives, your belief in our mission has translated into real, positive change.
The Kusasa Project is a testament to the collective power of individuals who share a vision for a better, more educated South Africa. Every penny you donated has been a catalyst for progress, opening doors of opportunity for those who may not have had them otherwise.
As a trustee, I am privileged to witness the profound impact of your generosity. Your commitment to education is not just a financial contribution; it is an investment in the future, a vote of confidence in the potential of every learner we serve.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibilities that the coming year holds, fueled by the momentum created through your support. Together, we can continue to break barriers, inspire minds, and create a legacy of education that resonates for generations to come.
I express my deepest appreciation to our donors. We are so thankful for continued support, as this allows us to plan and allocate resources on a multi-year basis. Your belief in our cause empowers us to dream bigger, achieve more, and, most importantly, make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
With gratitude,
Richard Alden
On behalf of the Trustees of The Kusasa Project (Dave, Doug, Amy, Jeff and Richard)