In South Africa, children in rural areas bear the brunt of poor quality education. But Anna Brom has devised inclusive solutions. Growing up on a Stellenbosch farm, Brom always had a passion for elevating and supporting impoverished communities. She volunteered as a remedial teacher and later tutored Maths and English. In 2005, she established the Anna Foundation, empowering women to educate vulnerable children.
“We focus on farms and rural communities because these communities are isolated and logistical issues ensure they don’t have the opportunities that other children have,” Brom explains. With her non-profit, over 600 children in the Western Cape now have access to a holistic education. The foundation’s after-school programme is guided by their “3 R’s”: Reading, Running and ‘Right-ing’. Reading entails daily numeracy and literacy lessons, Running comprises workouts to improve physical fitness and teamwork, while Right-ing incorporates life skills into their curriculum, sharpening children's self-esteem and confidence through dramatic arts. “In order to make learning better we use a variety of educational tools,” Brom says. “We use small classes, remedial programmes, computer programmes, whatever we can do to make education fun and engaging.”
Brom involves women in the 3 R's programme too, as the rate of unemployed women in the country persists on an upward trajectory. “We employ and train 52 rural women,” Brom says. They are equipped with skills to teach and assist kids with English and Maths tasks as well as fitness exercises. Through this collaborative approach Brom is fostering unity and upliftment in communities.
“I have always loved helping children,” Brom says. “It's very humbling to work with a child who just wants to be loved.” Education, whether informal or formal, is a stepping stone to a brighter future and a sustainable livelihood. “We are paving the way for success for farm children in the Western Cape,” she says.
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