WHY A SCHOOL OF SKILLS?
There is a lack of vocational/technical resources available to motivate learners practically rather than academically.
20-28% of Grade 1 learners in the Ashton and Robertson area present with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome disorders.
Current local school sizes are not conducive to learning. The ratio is as high as 50 learners to 1 educator in some schools.
4,300 unskilled jobs are currently at risk in Ashton. This will result in fewer employment opportunities for unskilled workers.
There is a lack of tradesmen countrywide.
A COLLABORATION MODEL
The Ashton Vocational Academy will teach concepts and skills in a practical, hands-on environment, providing secondary school learners with a passport to lifelong work. This school will not only offer educational opportunities but also focus on holistic learner development.
The Ashton Vocational Academy will be a no-fee collaboration school, with 60% of the funding provided by private donors and 40% by the Western Cape Educational Department. It will be a no-fee school accessible to residents of Ashton, Robertson, and Montagu.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be R48m (EUR 2.43m). The Ashton community needs to raise R28.8m (EUR 1.45m).
WHAT THE ACADEMY OFFERS
The school will initially be built to accommodate 240 learners with the hope of expanding in the medium term to accommodate 480 learners.
It will offer a full-Service School of Skills programme. The subject offerings will include Maintenance, Ancillary Health Care, Automotive Repair and Hospitality Studies. Extramural activities will include netball, rugby, soccer and robotics short courses.
Click here to see a video of the Maintenance workshop at the Struisbaai School of Skills.
OUR PROJECT FUNDERS
