Everything we do at Sparrow Schools is aimed at equipping and preparing children and youth who face learning challenges to participate positively in society. Thus to ensure that they can find a suitable job or generate income. This requires a comprehensive approach in an environment that fosters dignity. The Sparrow Schools Educational Trust enables children and youth with learning difficulties to grow into resilient, skilled and contributing members of society. To achieve this we provide affordable, quality specialized education, practical vocational skills training and comprehensive learner support. Some of our learners come from difficult circumstances, and in their short lives they have been impacted by the legacy of poverty, HIV/AIDS and unemployment. When a child comes to Sparrow Schools he/she enters a journey of being shaped and equipped to navigate life’s challenges whilst providing a positive contribution to society. We strive to provide the best possible educational and support services, whilst keeping our school fees affordable. Currently school fees are less than half of actual costs – the balance is covered through fundraising efforts. We greatly value your support.
Foundation School
Our learners cannot cope in mainstream schools. They require specialized attention and support. Based in Melville, Johannesburg, we serve 300 children aged 7-14 each year. Our comprehensive interventions include class teaching in a number of learning areas – language, using numbers, and life skills which incorporates social sciences, environmental studies, as well as heritage and culture. Participation in practical skills training includes cooking, sewing, woodwork and crafts. This is supplemented by computer training, music and movement; media centre activities and sports participation.
History Of Sparrow Schools
SSET was established in 1990 as a humble Saturday School in Joubert Park providing extra tuition to children whose learning had been disrupted through political unrest in the townships. The successful results achieved at the Saturday School prompted Jackie Gallagher and a group of 8 passionate teachers together with support staff to start a full time school in 1993. The school year began with 150 learners, housed in TEBA, a converted mining medical centre in Selby, Johannesburg. The full time school was started simply because a group of teachers and support staff believed in the power of the individual to make a difference in the lives of children and communities through education, a sentiment that has remained with Sparrow Schools throughout its development. Initially the school was a bridging facility for grade 1 to grade 9 learners, the holistic approach to education ensured that the students leaving Sparrow were successfully integrated into the mainstream, white education system after the democratic elections in South Africa. It became evident in the early days of Sparrow that a number of children with mild and severe learning disabilities did not have access to remedial education due to financial constraints.
Sparrow Combined Vocational Skills Centre
Youth with learning challenges who cannot cope in mainstream academic environments can contribute positively to society when they find their niche performance area. It is important that they access the opportunities to be equipped with practical skills to ensure that they are employable. Sparrow Combined is a purpose-built vocational training centre situated in Sophiatown, Johannesburg. Each year around 300 youth participate in Sparrow Schools’ comprehensive programme; and Creative Design and Technology.
