The Isabel Academy is nurturing the dreams of young children thanks to the founding of a new EDC, where fees are just R150 so every child can access quality education.
Nkomazi, South Africa (14 July 2024) – In the heart of Boschfontein, Nkomazi, where the echoes of dreams are often drowned out by the harsh realities of poverty, Isabel Academy (IA) stands tall as a beacon of hope and opportunity.
Founded on the unwavering principle that every child, regardless of financial background, race, or location, deserves a solid foundation for education, IA is more than just an Early Childhood Development project—it’s a lifeline for a community yearning for inspiration and a brighter future.
The driving force behind Isabel Academy is a commitment to supporting young minds on their journeys of discovery. The curriculum, carefully crafted to encompass cognitive, social, emotional, psychosocial, and physical development, empowers students to navigate the world around them.
Taking a page from Montessori principles, IA encourages students to take the lead in the classroom, fostering an environment where curiosity thrives without the constraints of stressful testing.
Despite adhering to the Department of Education’s mandate for early education in South Africa, IA redefines the traditional classroom structure. The focus is on observation and evaluation, ensuring each child’s progress is monitored without hindering their innate curiosity. The goal is not only to impart technical skills but to inspire and excite, cultivating a love for learning that extends beyond textbooks and examinations.
The genesis of Isabel Academy can be traced back to the tumultuous pandemic year of 2020. While the world grappled with the challenges, it became evident that the education system, especially in impoverished regions like Nkomazi, needed a profound transformation. As a concerned parent, the founder recognised the need for more than just technical skills; what was missing was a space for inspiration and excitement in learning.
Nkomazi, a region burdened by poverty, faced not only a lack of resources but a scarcity of innovative thinkers to bridge the educational gap. The absence of creative ideas to gather or craft resources, coupled with an inability to identify and rectify flaws in the system, left the community in a perpetual struggle. Thus, Isabel Academy was born, with a resounding “why” echoing through its mission.
Why start Isabel Academy? It’s a question answered with a deep understanding of the community’s struggles. In a region where a mere R150 for school fees can be an insurmountable obstacle, the dream of a brighter future often takes a backseat to the immediate need to put food on the table. IA seeks to change this narrative.
Isabel Academy is not just a school; it’s a lifeline for Boschfontein. It aspires to be a wellspring of inspiration, a source of employment, and a provider of high-quality education for the next generation.
In a community where dreaming beyond the daily struggle is a luxury, IA opens doors to possibility, ensuring that every child has room in their mind to dream.
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