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 teaches concepts and skills in a practical, hands-on environment, providing secondary school learners with a passport to lifelong work. This school not only offers educational opportunities but also focuses on holistic learner development.
The Ashton Vocational Academy is a no-fee collaboration school, with 60% of the funding provided by private donors and 40% by the Western Cape Educational Department. It is 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’s share is R28.8m (EUR 1.45m). Phase 1 has been completed at a cost of R24.5m. Phase 2 will cost approximately R23m and of this R13.8m (EUR680,000) needs to be raised by Ashton in Action to complete the school
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 offers a full-Service School of Skills programme. The subject offerings include Maintenance, Ancillary Health Care, Automotive Repair and Hospitality Studies. Extramural activities include netball, rugby, soccer and robotics short courses.
Click here to see a video overview of the Ashton Vocational Academy
OUR PROJECT FUNDERS
