Blogs
Our Blog Posts
Breaking down sexual health barriers in Soweto South Africa
Many girls and women around the world suffer from the taboo surrounding sexuality, sexual health and sexual violence. They are left alone with questions about puberty, menstruation, contraception and gender-based violence. They often lack the knowledge and financial means to buy hygiene products or contraceptives.
Equal chances to start school in South Africa
We will only see an equal tomorrow if children are given a fair chance in life. This is the core focus of Impande who works in the poorest areas of South Africa, working at giving children who attend pre-school in the poorest communities in South Africa the best possible chances to start school on an equal footing.
From Germany to Soweto: An internship at PYMA
Those most likely to be disadvantaged by low levels of literacy are children born into low-income households. Households with less disposable income have less exposure to the broad range of instruments that aid rich literacy such as books, cultural activities, storytelling, imaginative play and embodied games. In this blog Diane writes about her daughter Veyda’s internship to PYMA and how she helped with supporting school literacy challenges.
No child should go to school hungry
Hunger: A major challenge to learning
When asking children at our charity partner, PYMA, about one of the biggest challenges to learning, the first answer was hunger. Children cannot concentrate or learn on an empty stomach.
Thousands of children in South Africa go to school hungry every day. In this blog, I share some of challenges faced in South Africa and how we are supporting children.
Help for Lesotho’s children
If you ask children in Lesotho about their greatest wish, they almost always say: “I want to go to school!” – then their eyes light up with hope!
They really want to learn – but not only that: for many children in Lesotho, school is the only place where they can live in decent conditions, where they get food and clothing … And they also learn for life (and survival): for themselves, for their classmates, their families and their communities.
Maths and Science score in South Africa close to lowest globally
As we look at the state of maths and science in South Africa today, the picture is staggering. In this blog I explore the status of maths and science of the vast majority of South Africans and how we can help.
Sawabona Africa and Uthando (Love)
Flying into Cape Town International Airport gives you the first glance of the breadth of experience, which awaits you. The pilots often give you an aerial view of the coastline and Table Mountain, and as you get closer to the airport you catch a glimpse of the massive townships almost backing onto the runway. This is where our partner charity Uthando (love) South Africa is making a meaningful contribution. Read this blog to find out more.
On the Road in South Africa – A journey of impact
South Africa, a popular tourist destination. Breathtaking scenery, the famous winelands, Michelin quality dining at a small price, a beautiful friendly rainbow nation that welcomes tourists with open arms are just some of the reasons that people visit South Africa and keep coming back. I visit South Africa with a different purpose. Apart from visiting old friends and family, I now have new Sawabona Africa friends and partners who make my visit so memorable and full of joy and hope. Join me in this blog as I take you behind the tourist spots to meet some of our remarkable partner charities.
A small contribution – a large impact: Child Sponsorship in South Africa
In South Africa, a good school education usually depends on the financial means of the parents. Unfortunately, the colour of your skin and where you were born still largely determines which school a child attends. Bright Start not only provides poorer children with a good education through sponsorships, it also supports them in their overall long term development. In this blog you will learn more about the school situation in South Africa and how you can help a child receive a better education by sponsoring a child.
Back to School in South Africa: School readiness gaps for children in South Africa
When I moved to Germany, I learnt about the ‘Schultüte’. This is a cone given to children when they start the first class filled with everything children need for school and loads of sweets. In South Africa, learners start their school year in January without a ‘Schultüte’. In this blog I explore the pressing issue of inadequate school readiness for the vast majority of South Africans.
Being educated in apartheid South Africa – to founding Sawabona Africa
What was it like growing up under apartheid? Was there a difference in the education you received as a white person compared to the rest of the population? What was your reality? These are the questions I reflect on even more since starting Sawabona Africa.
Falling in love with PYMA
Imagine going to school in a class that is overcrowded. Hungry. You have started school without the basic fine motor skills, or entry level language skills and you just can’t keep up. When you go home after school, you have nobody to help you with your homework, or your caregiver can not read. Your neighbourhood is rife with gangs, drugs, alcohol abuse, crime and high unemployment.
Christmas in the southern Hemisphere
When I was young, I thought that everyone celebrated Christmas just like I did. Today I know this is not the case. In this blog I share how Christmas is celebrated in South Africa and how our beneficiaries celebrate Christmas and what do they wish for Christmas.
