While many learners have already settled into the 2026 academic year, dozens in Diepsloot and Riverside are still waiting for school placement. But thanks to a community-driven initiative led by Sir Nkhumeleni, those learners are no longer sitting at home feeling forgotten.
Under the Tshedza Foundation, Sir Nkhumeleni and a team of four teachers from Diepsloot schools have started offering free Mathematics lessons focused on Term 1 curriculum content. Classes run from 8:00 to 11:00 and will continue for the next three weeks.
On the first day alone, 46 learners attended.
The emotional toll of not being placed in school has been heavy. According to Sir Nkhumeleni, many learners have been feeling depressed and hopeless as they watch their peers go to school while they remain at home. Parents, too, have expressed deep concern, describing the trauma of leaving children at home without guaranteed safety and fearing exposure to drugs and other dangers.
However, the atmosphere in class tells a different story.
\u201cFor the first time in 2026, they are happy to be in a classroom,\u201d Sir Nkhumeleni shared. Learners were excited, engaged, and grateful for the opportunity to learn again.
Because the facilitators are active teachers, the lessons are aligned with what learners are currently being taught in schools, ensuring they do not fall behind academically.
As the programme continues over the next three weeks, organisers hope the number of learners will grow.
In a community facing ongoing educational challenges, this initiative is more than just extra lessons \u2014 it is a restoration of hope.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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