The dawn of democracy in South Africa in 1994 was a very exciting time for the country. It opened doors and opportunities in many sectors including the education sector. Children from townships were now able to attend the best schools in the suburbs, the so-called model c schools.
During this period, children attending model c schools were coming home very late, giving reports to their parents that they were held back after school to do homework. What compounded the situation was that parents themselves were unable or did not have time to assist their children with homework. South Africa being a Rainbow nation, in 1996 having noticed this challenge within the community of Gugulethu, JL Zwane Centre started an initiative to assist these children with their homework, children whom were doing grade 1 to grade 7 at school.
Working from a shipping container, volunteers came from different parts of the world, like United States of America, Europe, and United Kingdom to lend a hand.
Rev Dr Spiwo Xapile founded the organisation, JL Zwane Centre, and started the program which was to be called Rainbow School AfterCare Programme in 1996. This also happened at the back of having a mutual beneficial relationship with Prof Jan du Toit of Stellenbosch University Africa Centre for Management of HIV/AIDS, who later became a director of JL Zwane Centre along with Dr Spiwo Xapile.
With the help of friends like Mrs Magaret Legum (a South African born human rights activist who lived in London) and Mrs Frances Bouchier (one of the founders of a charity in London Rainbow Fund for South Africa), came with their friends to witness children being helped with their homework at JL Zwane Centre. Along with local volunteers, retired teachers from the community, as well as students from local tertiary institutions like University of Cape Town, they came to the centre in the afternoons (Monday to Thursday) to assist learners with homework at Rainbow School Aftercare.
With lots of partnerships and engagements, like Sanlam Investments, Investec (now known as Ninety-One PTY LTD), in 2003 a new building infrastructure was erected and was officially opened by then Deputy President of South Africa Mr Jacob G. Zuma.
The organisation Rainbow Education and Skills Development has continuously endeavoured to be the beacon of hope in the community it serves.
With the ever-changing world having been devastated by COVID19 pandemic, a change was inevitable. In 2022 JL Zwane Centre changed its name to Rainbow Education and Skills Development, still rendering the same services to the community as previously known as JL Zwane Centre.
The organisation has 12 employees and 5 board members, all working hard to offer the following programmes to the community:
Each year between 160-200 learners enrol to the programme to be assisted with homework from grade 2 till grade 7. We have 7 dedicated teachers who dedicate their time from Monday to Thursday from 3h00pm till 5h00pm to help the learners.
The organisation is registered as a Non-Profit Company with Public Benefit Organization status 9300075175, as well as is registered with department of Social Development as a Non-Profit Organisation 280-402. The organisation is also registered with CIPC.
Mr Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela once said "We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference". He also said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world".
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu also said "Do your little bit of good where you are, it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world".
Inspired by these giants of our time, Rainbow Education and Skills Development equips the Gugulethu community and neighbouring settlements with knowledge, skills and confidence to face the future through education and training.
We invite you to join us in this most noble of endeavours!
