Partner Schools
Partner Schools
Our Challenges Defined
Our 16 schools comprise three secondary schools; three combined schools and 10 primary schools, served by 8 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, and three of our ECD centres are just basic care centres. 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 four 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 Outreach is the Community service that is a core component of a boys education at Michaelhouse. As an extension of the direct community, the Michaelhouse boys engage on a per house basis with our 16 ‘footprint’ schools and add value in a manner which has previously been agreed with the Principal and the SGB. At year-end a prize is awarded for the house that has had the most impact.
“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” Albert Einstein