Curbing current education challenges

In an attempt to curb current education challenges, ICHAF has implemented a tutoring and teacher programme that is designed to assist struggling learners by providing them with a solid support system and in turn, lessen the burden on strained educators. The teachers and tutors of ICHAF, some of whom have been assigned permanent posts, are dispatched to qualifying schools to aid teachers with their workload.

Passionate about learning and development, particularly within the foundation phase of education, Hanuman joined ICHAF's tutoring and teacher programme in June 2013 and has a permanent teaching post at the Harry Bodasing Rural School in Kawdukuza, KZN.

"To see the results from my efforts and my students being able to apply the knowledge that I have taught them is most gratifying. Seeing smiles on my students' faces puts a smile on mine," says Hanuman. "These beautiful souls with such big hearts bring me so much joy." Despite the many challenges faced in their home lives such as lack of family support as well as lack of income, many of his students make him little gifts.

"Both the principal and teachers at the Harry Bodasing Rural School are also very supportive, which makes it a pleasure to teach there," says Hanuman. "Without ICHAF I would not have a job and my students would not have access to personal attention, support and guidance."

"The programmes have been working well," shares Hanuman. "The students appear to be enjoying the personal attention and their learner-commitment levels have certainly increased, which is visible through the quality of work submitted. Confidence levels are up and we can see more smiling faces."

"By allocating an additional staff member to support learners who are in dire need of assistance, we are contributing greatly to the education welfare of our children," states Devan Moonsamy, Training and Development Director of ICHAF. "If every school could be allocated an extra teacher, we would see a significant difference in the academic achievements of learners, not to mention the benefits to their self-esteem and overall confidence levels."

"There is an evident and increasing need for additional teachers in South Africa, particularly in rural and lower income segment schools. As a result of the many requests for additional teachers received from these schools, we are currently in the process of appointing more teachers for 2014," concludes Moonsamy.

An accredited Further Education and Training Service Provider and registered Section 21 Company, ICHAF is able to self-sustain the charity segment of its business with the revenue generated from its corporate training division.