About Us
LEAP’s approach to education is multi-faceted with interventions staged at different levels. Through initiatives aimed at different target groups we have created an education alliance that brings sustainable change. From learners to teachers to community leaders and education stakeholders we have a broad network of partners that form the LEAP learning community.
LEAP vision: We strive for the positive transformation of communities through the meaningful education of children from those communities.
LEAP mission: LEAP schools provide student-centred, maths and science-focused education to economically disadvantaged students from grades 8 to 12. We focus on enabling the self-awareness necessary for each student’s growth to healthy adulthood, and to ensuring optimal academic results which will allow for choices for lifelong learning and a fulfilling future.
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LEAP Science and Maths Schools provide free education to students from high-need communities, and have mathematics, physical science and English as mandatory subjects. Our school day is extended (9 hours), and we have Saturday classes and formal holiday programmes. Every LEAP school is partnered with a more privileged school as well as township schools in the community the school serves. This three-way collaboration creates the opportunity to share excellence in all spheres.
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The LEAP Future Leaders Programme works to make teaching aspirational and accessible for young graduates. We aim for 10% of each LEAP graduating class to study education at tertiary level. Future Leaders can study to become educators at a tertiary institution or by participating in LEAP’s own Leaders in Education internship.
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The LEAP Learning Centre provides quality tutoring to learners in LEAP Science and Maths School’s partner communities in Cape Town. The learning centre is staffed by a diverse group of tutors drawn from qualified African refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Botswana and Zimbabwe, South African professionals and volunteers.
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Social development is one of our important pillars. All students and staff work with a social development organisation in one of our partner communities. There are eight scheduled student visits during the year. Activities vary from games, story-telling, painting and singing with young children, to performances, singing, talking and listening to the tales and wisdom of the older seniors. LEAP staff also work with a selection of community organisations by providing mentoring and support in management and operations.
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The LEAP Movement promotes sharing of lessons, good practice and advocacy. Aimed at bringing together education stakeholders, the movement to promote equal access to quality education in South Africa.