Summer Programme 2015 Report
Executive Summary
The Mamelodi Initiative Summer Programme 2015 focused on supporting the Mamelodi school system by providing learners with skills necessary to succeed in school, careers, and life. The programme aimed to combat summer learning loss—a major contributing factor to educational challenges in township communities.
The Challenge
Research shows that dropout rates in Gauteng are extremely high, with only 40% of individuals age 20 and above having passed Matric. Summer learning loss for low-income youth is at least double that of their non-low-income counterparts. The dropout rate dramatically increases from grades 10 to 12, making intervention during these critical years essential.
Programme Purpose
The Summer Programme provided a safe space for students to “learn, grow, dream, and achieve.” Beyond academics, the programme focused on:
- Soft Skills Development: Building essential life and career skills
- Role Models: Exposure to positive mentors and volunteer educators
- Holistic Support: Addressing physical, emotional, and relational needs
- Long-term Impact: Building meaningful relationships beyond one-time academic intervention
Programme Approach
Rather than a solely academic focus, The Mamelodi Initiative sought holistic, long-term impact. Volunteers addressed students’ comprehensive needs while teaching practical skills, with learning flowing in both directions as volunteers and learners grew together.
Vision
The programme’s vision: to see every child in Mamelodi achieve success in secondary school, prepared to continue to university and empowered with the understanding that they don’t have to be another statistic.