Partner Schools

Our Challenges Defined

Our 16 schools comprise three secondary schools; three combined schools and 10 primary schools, served by 10 independent ECD centres. Most are understaffed; literacy at grade 4 is a significant challenge; few have competent Core Maths teachers; three are without adequate sanitation and dignified ablutions, there are minimal sporting facilities; all have inadequate waste collection; all have significant infrastructure maintenance challenges. School Governing Body (SGB) experience and leadership is a challenge, Principals are under significant pressure, teachers lack administrative and subject matter support, and often parental involvement is minimal.

Our Focus & Footprint

MCPT, with a dedicated team of five full time staff, six Trustees and a number of committed volunteers, oversees 13 core projects which, in a sustainable manner, deliver significant improvements to the complexity of challenges stated above. Our schools are situated in the Lions River and Mpofana Department of Education circuits. Core to our programme is partnering with communities, we build relationships with SGB’s, school principals, heads of departments, teachers and Department of Education Circuit Managers.

Where building, plumbing and electrical work is required we use local community suppliers as far as possible to support and develop the local economy. This significantly enhances the notion of ‘Schools at the centre of the community’.

The location of our 16 ‘footprint’ schools, and the relevant numbers are highlighted below:

Boys Community Service

An important component of a boys education at Michaelhouse is understanding the challenges in our broader community and actively serving within that community. In this regard each house has a service ‘champion’ who engages with our 16 ‘footprint’ schools and leads a team of boys to add value in a manner which has previously been discussed and approved by the Principal and the SGB. At year-end a shield is awarded for the house with the most service points. In 2025 an ‘Impact’ cup was introduced for the house that is deemed to have made the most significant difference.

“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” Albert Einstein