Khanyisa Junior Programme – Theme: Humanity
The Khanyisa Junior Programme, an initiative reflecting Maritzburg College’s commitment to social responsibility, continues to excel in its mission to support the holistic development of primary school learners. By focusing on both academic and personal enrichment, this two-year programme, which includes Grade 6 and Grade 7 learners, aims to prepare young students for the challenges they will face in high school. Participating schools for 2024-2025 include Bisley Primary, Piet Retief Primary, Prestbury Primary, Hayfields Primary and Woodlands Primary.
The weekly sessions cover a range of subjects, including Mathematics, English, Natural Science, Mentorship, Sports Development, Presentation Skills, and Emotional and Mental Wellness. These sessions are carefully designed to build a solid educational foundation, equipping learners with the skills and confidence they need for both academic success and personal development.
Highlights for 2024 include the introduction of Natural Science and Computer Literacy into the curriculum. Natural Science encourages curiosity and a spirit of scientific inquiry, while Computer Literacy equips learners with essential digital skills. These additions reflect the programme’s responsiveness to the technological demands of the future, ensuring that learners are well prepared for high school and beyond. Mentorship was also a key focus with senior students from Maritzburg College playing an integral role as mentors. Their guidance provides Khanyisa Junior learners with valuable insight into the high school experience, helping to ease their transition and foster a sense of belonging. Lastly there is a focus on mental wellness and on understanding the emotional challenges faced by adolescents. Over the two years, learners are introduced to strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and forming healthy relationships. These skills are essential for navigating personal growth and ensuring a smooth transition into high school.
The Khanyisa Junior Programme continues to make a meaningful impact, enriching the academic and personal lives of learners.
Khanyisa Senior Programme
Now in its 15th year, the Khanyisa Senior Programme continues to focus on enhancing the skills in Mathematics, Physical Science, and English among high school learners from under-resourced schools within our community.
Currently, Khanyisa supports 20 schools selected by the Department of Education (DoE), offering learner workshops designed to enhance educational outcomes. The learner sessions feature an innovative peer-tutor approach, originally initiated by the 2012 College matric boys and now led by top academics from College’s Grade 11 and 12 classes. Additionally, the program leverages social media to complement its educational activities, ensuring broader engagement and accessibility.
This year we introduced a system of incentives during Khanyisa sessions to motivate and reward learners who excel. These learners receive Coffeebox vouchers, allowing them to enjoy the on-campus coffee shop—a luxury that many Khanyisa learners do not have access to in their daily lives.
2024 also saw a textbook drive where we collected textbooks from Maritzburg College students to donate to our learners in the Khanyisa Outreach Programme. The textbooks have proven to be incredibly beneficial, helping to bridge the gap in educational materials that many of our learners’ face. Given the positive impact of this drive, we hope to continue and expand these efforts in the future, ensuring that our Khanyisa learners have access to the tools they need to succeed academically.
The impact of the Khanyisa program extends beyond its immediate participants. Not only do Khanyisa participants improve their own skills and knowledge, but they also share what they learn with peers who do not attend the program, creating a ripple effect of knowledge within the beneficiary schools. Learners experience notable improvements in their academic performance, which positively influences other areas of their lives as well. For the volunteer peer tutors from the College, the program provides a deeper understanding of their subjects and a sense of meaningful contribution to the community.