Umfundi Education

The Lord has laid Foundation Phase Education on Michelle Broodryk’s heart. Currently in South Africa, 70% of children starting school in Grade 1, will never complete their education. This results in the continuing cycle of poverty and a huge lack of employable skills. Studies have shown that much of the crisis is a result of the vital foundations in early childhood never being established. 

In 2021, soon after relocating to Kwa-Zulu Natal, Michelle visited ‘The Valley Trust’, an organization situated in The Valley of 1000 Hills, which is home to about 1 million people. A facilitator with the organization took her into an area called Embo, which is a short 10 minute drive from the bustling town of Hillcrest.

Currently 11 facilitators help educate children in about 1,500 homes, but the reality is that each home is only visited once a quarter. Resources are scarce and most of these children do not attend local pre-schools because of the high transport costs.

These committed facilitators meet every Friday for a time of debriefing and learning, and in July 2021 a monthly training in Foundation Phase Education was started. As this continues, our prayer is to use this access ministry for greater opportunities for disciple making. 

In 2022 a Non-Profit Company was registered. Umfundi Education aims to bring education to children ages 2-6 that are not attending school. Accessible resources and measurable assessments are currently being developed. Through the NPC our vision is to help mentor and disciple young adults who have a heart for teaching. Umfundi Education will assist these teachers in training with tuition fees, help with assignments and studies. In turn, these young people will give their time to help us as we work with young children and those who care for them.

Please pray with us as we look for effective ways to build a movement of people who will not only take education, but also the Gospel to these rural homes.

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