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Forty percent of South African students do not make it to matric (Statistics South Africa). There are a multitude of socio-economic factors that contribute to this staggering dropout rate, including lack of access to quality education, reliable transport, school supplies, nutrition and psychosocial support, which are all essential to sustaining a learner’s successful school journey.
Prospects are not much more hopeful for young people entering the workforce in a country that has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world.
Islamic Relief’s education interventions provide holistic support for learners who are grappling with poverty-related challenges, by sponsoring school fees, stationery and other school supplies, transport, meals and additional tutoring.
By ensuring access to quality education, mentorship, skills development, vocational training and funding opportunities for youth in under-resourced communities, we aim to help address the youth unemployment crisis and, ultimately, the root causes of poverty and inequality in South Africa.
Islamic Relief South Africa, in partnership with Islamic Relief Canada, has worked to transform Thandokwethu Primary School in the small rural community of Dududu, on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. The comprehensive upgrades, spanning more than two years, culminated in the official opening of a new school library on Thursday, 22 May 2025.
In 2022, a concerned teacher at Thandokwethu Primary, Nikaya Shaikh, contacted Islamic Relief South Africa asking for support for the extremely dilapidated school. When we visited the school, we found every single window broken; walls with such large holes that the outside could be seen, and through which rain would flood the classrooms; hazardous asbestos roofing; and absolutely no running water or sanitation.
With financial support from Islamic Relief Canada, Islamic Relief South Africa embarked on a mission to revitalise the school. The rehabilitation project included extensive infrastructural improvements such as the installation of vital water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities; secure fencing; upgraded classroom environments; and the creation of a safe play area. Beyond infrastructure, we also invested in crucial teacher training and essential learning resources, fostering a more conducive and stimulating educational environment.
Another key component of the project was the installation of a borehole at the school, providing a sustainable source of clean water not only for the learners and staff but also for the broader Dududu community of approximately 2,000 people.
The official opening of the new library in May 2025 coincided with a visit by a group of volunteers from Islamic Relief Canada, as part of their Inspire – Volunteer Abroad programme. This visit offered the Canadian volunteers an opportunity to witness firsthand the incredible transformation at Thandokwethu Primary School and to engage directly with the learners, educators and community members. It served as a poignant affirmation of the power of global solidarity, and the enduring legacy of service in creating dignified, safe and inspiring learning spaces for children in vulnerable communities.
Rehabilitated KZN school receives equipment to improve efficiency New library opens at rehabilitated rural KZN school
Rehabilitated KZN school receives equipment to improve efficiency
New library opens at rehabilitated rural KZN school
Al Iman Foundation in Lenasia, Gauteng, equips individuals to meet the challenges of modern society and empowers them to become active members of their communities. As part of its education programming, the Foundation runs the Al Iman Combined School that serves 200 learners from grades four to nine, offering CAPS curriculum and Islamic studies.
In 2023 and 2024, IRSA supplied all Al Iman learners with locally-sourced uniforms and stationery which not only helped ease the burden on financially stressed families, but also supported small local businesses.
We also contributed R308,000 towards hostel fees, meal expenses and staff salaries and wages, and invested in infrastructural improvements – all towards ensuring that learners have equal access to quality education in an environment that fosters personal growth, social interaction and community cohesion.
The Leadership College (TLC) is a no-fee high school that produces excellent academic results in the heart of Manenberg – a severely under-resourced and crime-riddled community on the Cape Flats.
Islamic Relief has long partnered with TLC to help ensure that learners have access to this quality education. In 2023 and 2024, IRSA sponsored the running costs for the school’s 700 learners.
Islamic Relief South Africa’s (IRSA) Bursary Programme, which is run in partnership with the Ibn Sina Institute of TIBB, unlocks access to tertiary education for youth in South Africa who cannot afford to further their studies.
The programme specifically targets 18 to 24-year-old rights holders who are exiting IRSA’s Orphan Sponsorship Programme; documented refugees and asylum seekers; young women and people with disabilities.
Undergraduate applications for built environment, engineering, information technology, logistics and supply chain management, financial management, accounting and economics are prioritised.
Through the programme, 36 young people in 2022, and 34 in 2023 were able to access tertiary education. Seventy-five percent of rights holders passed all their modules, with three students completing their diplomas or degrees during this two-year bursary period.
Incubator of Dreamers is an 18-month initiative to empower 100 unemployed young people in and around the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu Natal with skills development, mentorship and training to prepare them for employment opportunities or establishing their own businesses, to inspire and enhance their community involvement, and to contribute towards local economic growth.
Bootcamps (facilitated by the Young Leaders Academy) give participants the opportunity to explore their capabilities and determine the support needed to achieve their goals. Participants develop their teamwork, communication and problem solving skills. The programme also includes intensive training in entrepreneurship and business planning, leadership, accounting and finance.
In partnership with the Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, youth engage with and learn from business owners in their fields of interest. Business plans that demonstrate potential are incubated and mentored at Innovate Durban, with financial support provided to further develop the prototypes.
The boot camp process culminates in participant placements, either in employment or further skills development opportunities.
The Osizweni Community Development Project has been running for a number of years and is implemented in partnership with key government stakeholders in the City of Johannesburg, including the departments of Education, Social Development, Agriculture and Health.
At the Osizweni Community Centre, members of the community are able to access counselling services and support groups, education and training, nutrition through the community garden, and many more empowerment activities.