1. Providing the roots from which to grow and the wings to fly… INSPIRING ACTION March 2007

2. When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. “What a huge harvest. How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!” Jesus called his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives. Jesus sent them out with this charge: “Don’t begin by travelling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighbourhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously. Matthew 9 (The Message)

3. Humble beginnings… Seeing the need for bridging tuition Just stepping out and doing what could be done Saturday classes at a church hall for 4 learners Growth in numbers due to huge needs Overtaken by God…

4. Educationally disadvantaged children faced huge challenges in new learning environments. Jackie Gallagher & others started bridging tuition for 4 learners in a church hall on a Saturday morning 17 years ago. Success and word-of-mouth led to more & more parents requesting assistance. The numbers of learners increased on a weekly basis. The first facility was secured in the Johannesburg inner city. This was soon outgrown and after many moves Sparrow Schools finally found a permanent home! The need for bridging education has diminished over the last decade of democracy. Over the years we were faced with more and more learners with learning and intellectual disabilities. They have special needs education requirements. Our focus has changed and our academic and bridging programmes have been phased out. Looking back…

5. South Africa

6. The heart of Sparrow Schools To serve and meet the needs of: –The marginalised, downtrodden or excluded child and youth –The orphan –The defenseless

7. Profile of a Sparrow learner… Learning and / or intellectual disability –Remedial learners - problems that relate to their ability to interpret information and the world around them due to disrupted learning –Special needs - irreparable damage to their brain function as a result of foetal alcohol syndrome, epilepsy, accidents or physical abuse Poverty – household income of less than R3 000 / $545 a month HIV/AIDS - Children’s homes / single parents / child-headed households / living with relatives Experienced trauma or abuse

8. Olga Olga is 5 years old in Grade 1 at the Sparrow Foundation School. She lives with a guardian in Dube Village, Soweto. We have no information on her parents. Olga started at Sparrow Schools in 2007. She struggles to understand English, which inhibits her progress. She also has difficulty concentrating on tasks. Olga is a very humble and gentle child. She is eager to learn. Olga is a wonderful child with a lovely smile.

9. Lindokuhle Lindokuhle is 8 years old in Grade 2 at the Foundation School. He lives with his mother in Dobsonville, Soweto in a shack. His mother is unemployed. Lindokuhle is struggling. He tends to be a temperamental student and he needs lots of extra help. Lindokuhle needs to be in our school – with intensive help he will make good progress.

10. Sarah Sarah is 9 years old in Grade 2 at the Sparrow Foundation School. She lives in a children’s home – SOS children’s villages. Both her parents are deceased. Sarah started at Sparrow in 2006. She is very emotional, and sometimes cries for no reason. She is working on dyslexia amongst other problems. She is a lovely girl who always tries her best despite the obstacles to learning.

11. Michelle Michelle and her younger sister were taken into foster care from the age of 6. They were shifted from family to family until being adopted. Adopted life has also been very dysfunctional. Michelle was diagnosed with learning problems and referred to Sparrow in 2005. She struggles with feelings of inadequacy – her younger sister does exceptionally well academically. As a defence mechanism she reflects a blasé attitude to life. However, we know she dreams of pursuing a career as a chef. She was chosen as a prefect in 2007 and has found a niche at Sparrow. Michelle is capable of achieving good results.

12. To learn a vocational skill is of critical importance to our learners. Learning disabled teenagers from disadvantaged backgrounds need an education that will equip them to one day establish a livelihood. Without the necessary skills of numeracy, literacy, vocational training and basic entrepreneurship – these children will remain dependent on hand-outs or become a crime statistic.

13. To provide disadvantaged, learning disabled children and youth with access to education; vocational skills training, employment opportunities, and necessary support services. Thereby facilitating their integration into mainstream society and providing them with opportunities to participate in the economy. Our Mission…

14. Sparrow Schools Educational Trust Learners’ needs met Welding; Carpentry Catering; CD&T Motor Mechanics & Clothing production Therapy; Counselling; Parent education Leadership camp 2 week work Practical Contract work Industry-ready Confident Employable Equipped to contribute positively to society

15. Youth aged 14-18 Children aged 7- 14 Adults aged 18+ Remedial curricula Intro to skills Auxiliary interventions Skills training ABET – literacy; numeracy Auxiliary interventions Skills training – beading & clothing production Sheltered employment contracts Sparrow’s programme…

18. Foundation Learners In the classroom… In therapy… Learning skills…

19. Sparrow Combined Learners Catering Welding Carpentry

20. Job Creation Clothing Production – beading & embroidery

21. Where we are going Management Focus - Consolidation and strengthening Psychosocial interventions Accreditation as a skills training centre Skills Learnerships Focus on Job Creation Local and international support – awareness & resources

22. Inspiring Action… Prayer & intercession is a must! –Funds –Teaching staff –Protection –Reaching children with the gospel Volunteers –Teaching assistants (gap year students) –Professionals – teachers/social workers/psychologists Fundraising – EAC programme; products

23. What you can do… Awareness of our work Come alongside Sparrow Schools –In prayer (pick up a business card as reminder) –Volunteering opportunities (email me) –Fundraising initiatives –Support our efforts –Sponsor a child through our educate a child programme (pick up a EAC leaflet & contact Wanda) –Provide bursaries for children in dire needs (pick up info) www.sparrowschools.co.za lynettel@sparrowschools.co.za

24. Thank you!