Local NPO eager to improve education

GA MOTODI

A local organisation is determined to improve the pass rate in schools around Tubatse. Ithute is a non-profit organization that seeks to primarily empower young people in rural communities. Ithute is a Sepedi or Sesotho word meaning learning. The organisation was founded by the youth from Ga Motodi in 2020.
“We are currently running an after-school program as part of our intervention. Our after-school sessions offer a range of services including academic tutoring, career guidance and computer literacy,” said Molifi Mabelane, chairperson of the organisation.
He said the volunteering tutors come from various backgrounds; unemployed college and university graduates, current tertiary students, and former grade 12 learners who are taking a gap year.
“Our learners also come from various family background but predominantly poor families.”
Academic tutoring involves volunteering tutors who support learners in small groups to ensure that they understand their school work,” he adds.
Mabelane told said that they also offer computer literacy skills classes and e-learning workshops to learners. They also help learners to apply for tertiary colleges and universities, and assist locals to apply for learnerships, bursaries and job opportunities.
“When we started we offered Math and science lessons to five Grade 11 leaners in a home garage that was offered by a local family.
“The number increased to a point in which the garage space was not enough and we had to request two classrooms at Marota Primary School and the principal and his leadership were generous enough to permit us to continue with our after school lessons at the school.”
Ithute currently offers tutorials on Mathematics, Physical Science, and Accounting.
They pleaded for other volunteers to come join them to offer more subjects.
“As Ithute we hope to see at least one library being built in our community of Ga Motodi and help send a message that education is important and fashionable.”
The organisation pleaded for sponsors, “We need corporate partners who will help us build a library. We need more tutors and volunteers as well as an office and office equipment.”
Ithute can be contacted on 072 207 9980 or Info@ithute.org
For pupils who wish to take part in the extra lessons, they can visit Marota Primary School, weekdays between 16:00 -18:00. Only Grade 11 pupils are allowed at this juncture.