Mdantsane woman levels playing field for rural Eastern Cape pupils
Foundation aims to ‘close gaps’ and improve English
WHILE most people who complain about the Eastern Cape being at the bottom of the nation’s matric class sit back and do nothing, a Mdantsane woman is doing her bit to rid the province of the tag.
Tabisa Loliwe decided to do her own research and find out the root cause of the dismal annual tale.
She identified as one of the problems the fact that children are taught in isiXhosa which renders them unable to express themselves in English or understand English instructions during examinations.
Loliwe established the TeeLo Foundation in March 2016 and started assisting primary school pupils, in Tsholomnqa with their homework.
She helps them to read English books.
“I knew that if we can help our children from the foundation phase and make sure that they are comfortable to read and write in English, we will not have the challenges we have today with our matriculants,” she said.
While helping the children with their school work, she noticed that they also needed other educational materials and started donating books and school uniforms.
“Making a difference in people’s lives is my first love, helping and touching lives is what I do. I am hoping that the matric results in our province will eventually improve, reach the top three in the future and beat other provinces,” she said.
Loliwe believes another contributing factor to the high dropout rate could be a lack of school shoes and shame about the situation at home.
The foundation seeks to close gaps like these and level the playing field.
“We are trying to reduce the number of dropouts and unemployable adults in our province.
“We also want to fight teenage pregnancy by keeping these children in class, motivating and encouraging them so they can see the importance of education,” she said.
“I used to go to school barefoot. It is a very embarrassing experience. It takes away your dignity and you end up having a low self-esteem as you get mocked by others.
“I don’t wish others to have such an experience.”
The foundation has a career exhibition in the pipeline aimed at Grade 9 pupils.
“I want to see neat, confident and motivated children who will help others to get good marks and be successful,” the self-employed Loliwe said.
She hopes to see more organisations focus on the rural areas.
“I am hoping that we will reach Grade 12 as well.”
Just like any other non-profit organisation, TeeLo Foundation has its financial challenges.
The foundation relies on donations from family, friends and Facebook friends. —