In the heart of Kayamandi, a primary school called Vision Africa stands as a beacon of hope for quality education. Founded in 2015 as an emergency response to an educational crisis, this innovative institution has grown from a single grade one class with 26 students from crèche through grade three.

According to Principal Sarita Slabber, Vision Africa was established when there weren't enough grade R schools to accommodate learners in the area. When these students were ready to advance to grade one, classroom space remained insufficient. With approval from the Department of Education, Vision Africa launched as a private school dedicated to providing quality education as a tool for upliftment.

What sets Vision Africa apart is its commitment to small class sizes—typically 26-29 students per class with two classes per grade. This approach ensures each child receives the attention they need. The school's structure allows children to begin their education journey at age three in the crèche program and continue through grade three in a familiar, supportive environment.

Vision Africa follows the CAPS curriculum with a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy. English instruction begins early, recognizing its importance as "the economic language," while maintaining instruction in isiXhosa to support comprehension and preserve cultural connection.

Technology integration plays a key role in their teaching approach. Classrooms are equipped with projectors for showing educational videos, and students engage with computer programs like Reading X, Green Shoots, and Kami Mats to enhance their learning. Even robotics has been introduced at the grade R level, giving these young learners early exposure to technology.

Parent involvement is prioritized through regular meetings, WhatsApp groups for direct communication, and termly opportunities for parents to review their children's work and assessments. Weekly homework assignments are shared via WhatsApp, and photos of children's activities are regularly sent home.

Vision Africa has made education accessible by keeping costs manageable. School fees are set at R500 per month, uniforms are affordable and available at local stores, and the school purchases stationery in bulk to pass savings to parents. Additional funding comes from local and international donors, with all contributions directed toward benefiting the children rather than administrative costs.

Despite operating at full capacity (with grade R expanded to 30 students per class to accommodate the urgent need), Vision Africa aims to grow. The school's trustees are ready to expand services through grade seven, but they need land to build additional facilities.

Principal Slabber envisions a complete educational pathway for students, noting that a school in Kraaifontein recently opened in Kayamandi with grades eight and nine, potentially providing continuity for Vision Africa graduates.

The school's extended day (8am to 3pm) ensures children are supervised until parents return from work, addressing the community concern of unsupervised children on the streets.

As Sarita Slabber powerfully states, "If you look at the children and how clever they are, how hardworking they are... the only way ahead is education. And it is possible to give education that is affordable."

 For more information about Vision Africa or to support their mission, contact Principal Sarita Slabber at sarita@visionafrika.com or visit their website at www.visionafrika.co.za.

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Presenter: Jasnine Roberts

Producer Lydia M