What we Do
Our project model
Between 2008 and 2022, the Three2Six Refugee Children’s Education Project operated as an afternoon bridging education programme, for refugee and migrant children unable to access state schooling. Three host school communities (Sacred Heart College, Observatory Girls’ Primary School and Holy Family College) made their facilities available to Three2Six each afternoon from 3pm to 6pm, after their day students finished classes. This is where the project takes its name: Three2Six.
The Project offered Maths, English and Life Skills classes to prepare children to move into government schools. Over the years, the necessity of providing full-time learning opportunities for these children became apparent. As a result, since the beginning of 2023, the 225 Three2Six learners are now receiving a full-time primary school education at a new host school, Dominican Convent School, in Belgravia, an independent school in Johannesburg. The Three2Six students now also participate in a comprehensive extra-mural programme, which includes judo and marimba lessons, among other activities. This enriched learning experience further facilitates their transition into the mainstream education system by giving them a strong and complete educational foundation.
Credit: Lizette Cressey
In addition to this, the Three2Six learners are provided with uniforms, textbooks and school materials, one meal and a snack per day and, where necessary, safe transport to and from school.
At Dominican Convent School, the Three2Six children are now fully integrated with the main school students with whom they learn in the classroom. This promotes social cohesion between the refugee and local communities.
One of Three2Six’s core objectives is to transition children into mainstream education. It offers them once-off financial support when they have found a place at a South African school and welcomes them every month during its alumni days for homework support and fun activities.
The project employs refugee teachers, providing them with employment, assistance to have their home qualifications recognised, experience with the South African curriculum and where necessary supporting them with further study to obtain South African teaching qualifications and therefore increasing their employability.