EMIHLE MBANGATHA
Independent Christian school Hope Schools celebrated their founder’s day, honouring its 19th anniversary on August 16, at the school’s Sois Blessed Hall, in East London.
Headmaster Nigel Raw said: “There is a great need for compassion and fresh opportunities for children from these (impoverished) communities, and our purpose is to fulfil that need.”
Raw stated that founder’s day was a great opportunity to reflect on the history of the school.
“We have grown so much in a short period of time. It is amazing to see God’s faithfulness over the years, and it is a privilege to be a part of changing children’s lives every day,” he said.
Raw said their school has grown to accommodate more than 320 pupils who are cared for by 21 teachers, and in 2023 their first ever matric class achieved a 100% pass rate.
He said: “We are in the process of establishing our school culture and values and working on improving our academics and sports offerings.
“We rely on the generosity of donors to cover our operating costs. We are looking for partners who are willing to provide a scholarship to the top academic pupil in each grade.”
After working at Hope Schools for 10 years and serving as headmaster of Hope College for the past two years, Phillips Wynne said he had witnessed the school’s growth.
“We have dreams of growing even more. It is a special reward to see young people mature and reach their dreams.
Education is like a long-term investment. You must keep pouring love, care, and knowledge into lives and trust that there will be a great reward at the end,” Wynne said.
He said, if people partner with them, they can provide life-changing educational opportunities for families for generations to come.
