Achieving the Dream of Education Upliftment: A Powerful Step Forward

Bhongolethu’s New Classroom

A Classroom for the Future and our first fundraising campaign

The OKOA Fund, Bhongolethu Primary School and local community came together to uplift education in one of Cape Town’s most vibrant and under-resourced neighbourhoods. Because at the heart of OKOA Fund is a simple belief, when we uplift communities, support education and protect nature, we create the foundations for lasting, positive change across Africa.

That belief became a tangible reality in early 2025 with the completion of our very first fundraising campaign, a brand-new Grade 7 classroom at Bhongolethu Primary School in Masiphumelele in Cape Town. This milestone reflects our deep commitment to education upliftment, one of OKOA Fund’s core focuses.

Why Education upliftment Matters

Although education is a constitutional right in South Africa, the system continues to struggle with the legacy of historical inequality and strained resources. This means that even when children attend school, they may do so without access to a desk, a flushing toilet or even books.

At OKOA, we believe that these circumstances should not define a child’s future. Quality education delivered with dignity, care and consistency is essential and a dedicated learning space can change everything. It brings structure, fosters confidence and creates a stable foundation from which young people can grow.

Bhongolethu Primary

A School with Heart and Deep Community Roots

Founded in 2016 with a single kindergarten class, Bhongolethu Primary School was born from a vision to make learning accessible and inclusive for all. Over the last eight years, it has grown into a full primary school, now serving learners from early childhood to Grade 7.

Bhongolethu is more than just a school, it’s a hub of community energy. The school is powered by passionate educators, committed parent volunteers and a spirit of collaboration that makes it truly special.

This year, the school celebrated a major milestone, it’s first-ever Grade 7 class. These students, many of whom began as toddlers in the very first classroom years ago, were now ready to take on their final year of primary school. But they needed a classroom to call their own.

When OKOA Fund Stepped In

After meeting with Bhongolethu, OKOA Fund selected the school as the focus of our very first fundraising campaign. Launched in 2023, the campaign set out to help raise the funds needed to build a dedicated Grade 7 classroom.

Thanks to our generous donors, community supporters and transformative travel partner Ker & Downey Africa, along with Bhongolethu’s other funders, construction finally began. By February 2025 the new classroom was ready to welcome its first group of learners.

It’s a bright, inspiring space fitted with desks, chairs, bookshelves and fans to keep the space cool during Cape Town’s summer months. For security the classroom was also fitted with security gates and window bars. A cozy reading nook was added to spark curiosity and support independent learning.

“We really love it!” says Bhongolethu Founder and Director, Tyler Sutcliffe. “It’s such a beautiful addition to our school that we aim to raise funds for a second classroom next year.”

Community empowerment

Giving Children the Room to Grow

Education is more than just learning, it’s about empowerment. This new classroom doesn’t just give learners a space to sit and study. It gives them ownership, dignity and hope.

With a dedicated Grade 7 classroom, Bhongolethu is able to maintain smaller class sizes and deliver focused instruction without overcrowding. Learners feel seen, valued and celebrated as they complete their primary school journey. It affirms that their education matters and that they matter, too.

At OKOA Fund that’s what education upliftment is all about. It’s about giving young people the opportunity to believe in themselves by offering them the tools, space and support to grow.

Why Bhongolethu Was the Right Fit for OKOA

OKOA Fund chooses its partners carefully. Bhongolethu Primary School stood out as a natural partner for OKOA Fund because of its deep alignment with our values and vision. The school is guided by community-driven leadership, with decisions made by people who live and work in Masiphumelele. Ensuring that its impact is both locally rooted and relevant.

Their strong commitment to equity means that every child regardless of background or circumstance, is given the opportunity to access quality education. Bhongolethu’s openness to collaboration and meaningful partnerships made working together both easy and inspiring.

Most importantly, the school shares OKOA’s belief in building better futures. One learner, one classroom and one community at a time. This is what we mean when we talk about transformative partnerships. Projects rooted in mutual respect, shared vision and measurable impact.

Beyond the Classroom

Growing Futures with environmental conservation

Learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Shortly after the building was completed, Bhongolethu’s Grade 7 learners rolled up their sleeves and got to work planting two indigenous garden beds outside their classroom. This wasn’t just about making the space beautiful, it was about learning to care for and connect with nature.

Working with determination the learners prepared compacted soil, cleared rubble and planted a variety of fynbos species. These plants were specially chosen for their ecological purposes, providing nectar for sunbirds and reconnecting learners with traditional medicinal and edible plant knowledge.

The project combined two of OKOA’s core focuses, education upliftment and nature conservation. In the process, students developed skills in teamwork, resilience and environmental awareness. They didn’t just plant a garden, they planted seeds of responsibility, curiosity and pride.

A New Collaboration Begins

This garden initiative was made possible through a new and exciting collaboration with Ingcungcu Sunbird Restoration, OKOA’s newest campaign partner.

Ingcungcu is a Cape Town-based non-profit focused on planting indigenous “filling station” gardens across the Cape Flats. These gardens are designed to support sunbirds and promote environmental education in urban communities.

Together, Bhongolethu and Ingcungcu created a living classroom. A space where students can observe pollinators, learn about biodiversity and deepen their connection to the land around them.

We’ll be sharing much more about this inspiring partnership in our next blog post.

Thank You for Helping Us Champion Change

To every donor, traveller, partner and supporter who made this campaign possible, thank you. You’ve helped create a space where children can learn with dignity, grow with purpose and believe in their futures.

If this story inspired you, we invite you to be part of what’s next. Support our upcoming campaigns, share this post or reach out to learn more. Together we can build even more classrooms, plant more gardens and champion more change one project at a time.

If you want to learn more about Bhongolethu and the work they do you can visit their website:

https://bhongolethufoundation.org.za/