Thuto Trust: Investing in the Future of Education in South Africa
Thuto Trust is an innovative educational trust committed to empowering deserving young individuals through tertiary education bursaries. As South Africa faces a critical need for more teachers—over 50,000 by 2025, according to statistics from UNESCO and the University of Zululand—the country’s education system is also grappling with a “reading for meaning” crisis. The Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS 2021) found that 81% of South African Grade 4 learners struggle with reading comprehension, signaling the massive need for quality education.
Our Mission:
Thuto Trust aims to multiply the progressive impact of quality education in low-income communities by focusing on developing enthusiastic, effective teachers. These teachers are empowered with innovative early reading programs, as well as enhanced maths and science literacy, supported by effective guidance.
Strategic Initiatives
Thuto Education Development Agency (TEDA):
Thuto Trust has established TEDA, a complementary organization headed by internationally renowned Dr. Delani Mthembu. TEDA provides professional leadership training and psycho-social support for Teacher Interns and the broader educational community in South Africa.
Thuto Themba:
This organization focuses on creating quality, innovative, cost-optimized schools that use a combination of in-person teaching and online learning to offer effective academic solutions.
Our Impact
With the support of donors and partners, Thuto Trust has invested over R50 million in more than 1,200 bursaries and scholarships over the past 19 years. The trust is committed to expanding its Teacher Internship program to meet South Africa’s growing need for qualified educators.
Beliefs and Values at Thuto Trust
- Inherent Potential: Every child possesses inherent talent and potential to contribute positively to society.
- Quality Education: Proper education enables children to become productive members of society, reflecting values that promote responsible citizenship and societal well-being.
- Positive Learning Environment: Every child deserves to be in a positive, supportive classroom environment that helps them unlock their full potential as creative thinkers and problem solvers.
- Teacher Responsibility: Teachers must address diverse learning barriers to ensure positive learning experiences for all students.
Empowering Teachers for South Africa’s Future
Teacher Preparation:
Studies show that many teachers in South Africa lack the skills and confidence to handle the realities faced by learners in diverse classroom environments. Poverty, in particular, creates numerous challenges that disrupt students’ learning paths.
Thuto Trust addresses these issues by attracting and retaining young leaders with the potential to make a positive and lasting impact in the education sector. We equip them with creative teaching skills and a basic understanding of psycho-social issues, helping them meet the challenges of the South African schooling system.
Key Partnerships
Government Partnership:
Thuto Trust has a tripartite agreement with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to co-fund the participation of 35 deserving young individuals in the Thuto Trust internship program.
Technology and Robotics Training:
Thuto Trust provides Teacher Interns with training in teaching robotics, embedding technology through the Tillo App to capture extensive management data.
Private Schools Internship:
In collaboration with well-resourced independent schools, Thuto Trust offers teaching internships to young individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have a passion for education. These internships help address gaps found in the public school system, enriching the teaching experience and the development of future educators.
Thuto Trust: Empowering Teachers to Unlock the Potential of Our Children
Through innovative strategies, targeted teacher training, and strong partnerships, Thuto Trust continues to make a lasting impact on South Africa’s education system by ensuring that every child has access to the quality education they deserve.