For more than a decade, the Ihlumelo Foundation has transformed the educational landscape for disadvantaged pupils and families in East London.
The foundation has provided free tutoring, mentorship, and social development initiatives, creating pathways to brighter futures for children from underserved communities.
Founded in 2014, the Ihlumelo Foundation was born from a vision to empower pupils through education and life skills, nurturing safer and more hopeful environments for families in historically under-resourced neighbourhoods.
Today, it supports public schools in Duncan Village, Amalinda, Santa and surrounding areas.
Targeting pupils from grades 4 to 7, the foundation partners with primary schools including Nompumelelo, Masakhe, Lujiza, Lukhanyo, and Sinomonde.
Tutoring classes focuse on critical subjects such as mathematics and languages, held Monday to Friday from 2.30-3.30pm. These sessions address areas where pupils most need extra help.
Central to the programme’s success is a dedicated team of 26 volunteer tutors.
Ihlumelo’s founder, Vuyolwethu Magadlela, said: “Our tutors contribute their time freely because they believe in the cause.
“I keep them motivated by showing how their work changes lives and by providing continuous support and feedback.”
Tutors undergo thorough training and receive detailed lesson plans.
“We hold quarterly training sessions and monitor classes regularly by visiting schools and gathering input from teachers and learners,” he said.
The foundation’s gender-based violence (GBV) unit also raises awareness and fosters respectful attitudes among youth.
It partners with student bodies at Fort Hare and Walter Sisulu universities to recruit tutors who bring dynamic energy and fresh perspectives.
Anathi Mjoji plays a vital role in working with the universities and tutors.
At Sinomonde Primary School, the impact is evident.
Teacher Thembelihle Dlamini says the foundation’s involvement has boosted pupils academically and personally.
“Students are more confident and responsible, excelling in mathematics and languages after receiving regular support,” said Dlamini.
The foundation’s Teach-a-Boy project encourages young men to reflect on their social roles, promoting healthier behaviour and reducing the risk of GBV.
This holistic approach resonates deeply with parents, many of whom cannot afford private tutoring.
“They appreciate that the foundation focuses not just on schoolwork but also on life skills and values,” said Dlamini.
More than 150 pupils at Sinomonde have benefited, with numbers growing steadily as the programme expands.
Funding and resource management are ongoing missions for the foundation. Like many nonprofits, securing consistent financial support and recruiting volunteers requires constant effort.
However, innovation keeps the foundation resilient.
To sustain its programmes, the foundation operates a small vegetable garden at its offices in Eziphunzane.
Ihlumelo communications officer Bubele Mtselu said: “The money we make from our small vegetable business helps to supplement donations and funding efforts, so programmes can keep going without having to rely solely on outside funds. We sell around the residential areas and are working to expand for more plantings.”
Having himself grown up with limited resources, Magadlela understands the struggles many children face.
“I wanted to create a space where learners can get the help they need to succeed.
“The misconception is that children from places like Duncan Village don’t want to learn; the truth is they need the right opportunities,” he said.
The foundation wants to offer skills training and create safe environments where girls and boys can learn about healthy relationships and life skills.
But money is restrained.
For the communities it serves, Ihlumelo is a beacon of hope. By nurturing academic achievement and social awareness, it is rewriting futures, fostering resilience, and building a safer, brighter East London.
