Unfortunately, there is still a large gap between rich and poor in the region. Zwelihle faces major socio-economic challenges. The population of Hermanus, which includes Zwelihle, has grown rapidly over the last 15 years. Unemployment is very high, especially among teenagers and young adults. The simultaneous shortage of skilled workers makes it clear that there is a lack of high-quality education and vocational training. The average household income in Zwelihle is significantly lower than in other parts of Hermanus. The exact figures vary, but they are consistent with similar townships in South Africa: many families have to get by on an income of less than €180 per month. The parents of the children at the Hermanus Waldorf School keep their heads above water by doing small-scale trading, or poorly paid jobs such as gardening, domestic work, or catering.

After 28 years of working with children between the ages of three and 13 (nursery to Year 7), the Hermanus Waldorf School has recognised the need for expansion and has laid the foundation for its new phase: new classrooms were built for Years 8 and 9.

But the vision goes further: the school is also to be expanded to include a vocational secondary school (from Year 10) with at least two vocational training pathways in order to improve the employability of young people after they leave school. With the successful application to the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Friends of Waldorf Education were able to secure funding for the construction of the vocational secondary school.

The school continues to rely on support to cover its day-to-day costs. Five out of six pupils come from financially disadvantaged families and are unable to pay any or only minimal contributions to the school. An educational sponsorship is particularly helpful here: Become a sponsor now

We are also very happy about donations that are not tied to sponsorships, in order to support Hermanus Waldorf School: Donate now