Providing Value to the Community Through Education
As part of our commitment to our fourth core value, “We are passionate about providing value to the community,” Seventh Star recently partnered with Mgobozi Developmental Initiatives (MDI) for an outreach initiative that truly embodies this vision. In collaboration with our esteemed sponsors, Dr. K Duvel, C. Bruyns and E. Gouws, we conducted a National Benchmarking Test (NBT) preparation workshop at the MDI centre in Matatiele, Eastern Cape on 13-14 July 2024.
This two-day event reached 43 learners from five rural schools, giving them access to high-quality educational resources and support that they otherwise would not have had. We aimed to provide a space where learners could engage with core concepts assessed by the NBT, a crucial step for their educational futures.
A Workshop Designed to Empower
The workshop focused on essential subjects like proportionality, basic geometry, percentages and interpretation of visual information. The learners participated in hands-on activities aimed at solidifying their understanding of these key concepts. With 40 learners providing feedback in our post-event survey (a 93% response rate), it was clear that this workshop was a significant success.
An impressive 92.5% of participants rated the materials and resources provided as “highly useful”. Further, a staggering 100% of students indicated that they would recommend the workshop to other students preparing for the NBT. Feedback highlighted the engaging teaching style, the usefulness of practice problems and the overall supportive environment. The learners valued clear explanations, with many expressing that they felt comfortable asking questions – a key element of effective learning.
The workshop not only provided educational content but also an empowering experience, instilling in learners the belief that their success matters both to themselves and to those supporting their growth. Learners expressed interest in future workshops covering subjects like physical science – highlighting their growing desire for well-rounded academic support.
MDI Founding Director, Pinky Mgobozi, shared her thoughts on the success of the workshop:
“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Seventh Star and sponsors for your generous support and belief in our mission. Your contribution has played a crucial role in making this workshop a reality and ensuring that these learners received the guidance they needed. Your investment of time and resources into this cause demonstrates a deep commitment to empowering young people and breaking the cycle of lack that often traps those in rural areas…
…in conclusion, the NBT preparation workshop was a considerable success, owing to the support of Seventh Star and benefactors, and it served as a foundation for a model of how we can contribute towards addressing gaps in our education system. We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to continuing this important work together.
With heartfelt gratitude and anticipation for what lies ahead.”
Continuing Our Journey Together
Our partnership with MDI has shown that collective action can create real change. By bringing together our sponsors, educational experts and rural communities, we demonstrated how a focused effort can bridge gaps in education and bring vital opportunities to those who need them most. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors – Dr. K Duvel, C. Bruyns and E. Gouws – for believing in the potential of every young mind and for making this initiative possible.
Looking ahead, Seventh Star and MDI are exploring more ways to provide ongoing support and expand our reach in rural areas, building on the success of this initiative. Keep an eye out for upcoming workshops and opportunities – together, we are making a difference.
With gratitude and hope for the future,
Seventh Star & Mgobozi Developmental Initiatives