As an organisation we understand that poverty is complex, and empowerment requires that people are enabled to exert influence over the factors that govern their lives. Our approach to empowerment focuses on education. ‘No sector of society has more influence on other areas than education. It is the key to the fulfilment of other human rights. It is at the heart of all development.’
The theory of social change we apply is that through providing marginalised children and youth with access to quality education, vocational skills training and extensive learner support their personal well-being, quality of life and participation in the economy will increase. The benefits are far-reaching to the learners, their households, and their communities as they reach greater levels of self-sufficiency.
Beyond access to education, Sparrow Schools is striving for appropriate education, excellence, well-being, and the capabilities to earn a livelihood in the lives of children and youth living with intellectual disabilities in the greater Johannesburg region.
Our initiatives speak to service delivery gaps in the education system in South Africa, whereby children and youth who cannot cope academically in addition to coming from low-income or child-headed households or children’s homes do not receive appropriate schooling. They are vulnerable to drop-out of the education system and subsequently face exclusion from economic activities.
Sparrow Schools acts as a gateway to skills-development for the children and youth who are enrolled with us in order to prepare them to confidently access appropriate opportunities to earn a livelihood. This is accomplished in an enabling environment where dignity is fostered.
We have two sites: The Foundation School in Melville for 6 to 14 year old children facing learning barriers and Sparrow FET College in Sophiatown for 15 to 19 year olds.
Operates in: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Established in: August 1989
Non-Profit Organisation Number: 000-401
Public Benefit Organisation Number: 130001399
Section 21 Company Number: 2010/010815/08
Trust Number: Trust 1255/93
Contact person: Sarah Scott
Phone: 011 673 4410 / 9
Fax: 011 673 3566
Email:
Website: www.sparrowschools.co.za
Physical address: Cnr Gerty and Hermans Streets, Sophiatown
Postal address: P O Box 91600 Auckland Park, 2006
