Thutopele academy and services is a program in Mabopane Block B next to Botsalo Primary School. It is a program responsible for supporting children’s education and helping them to target and reach their goals. It is a Monday to Friday after-school program with more than 50 learners assisting with homework, daily class revisions, school projects, and exam preparations.
It also runs a Saturday school from grade 1 to 12 offering English, Mathematics, Sciences, Business Studies, Accounting, Computer Science, and Chess games.
Thutopele academy hosts competitions annually like the Spelling be Maths24 and World ruffle. This is to help motivate the children so that they find interest in staying there and learning more.
Ms Keabetswe Dire who is responsible for day to day running of the program says at the starting of this program she was inspired by the movies called “Akeelah” and spelling bee.
“I wanted to be the first to introduce Spelling bee competition in my township and I did exactly that back in 2014 in Botsalo Primary School.
“The motive behind starting this academy was to bring multiracial schooling in the township with the aim of assisting learners who were facing academic challenges along with the help of the occupational therapist.
“Also, we are a non-funded organization and it would be a pleasure to receive donations like stationery from potential investors out there,” she said.
Ms Dire said the academy has dedicated teachers in their program who are willing to work hard in order to help children. Also, the feedback and positive comments from parents and members of the community are what keeps them going. The academy believes they could change lives by doing this because it also helps to keep children off from the streets and getting into things that could ruin their future or lead to trouble.
Ms Dire believes that young children deserve a shot in life where they can show their capabilities.
She said the academy is eager to excel in all life aspects and that is to produce self-driven and confident children and she says they must teach them to dream with their eyes open. They are driven by the motto “Every child yearns to learn” and one book, one child, and teacher can change the world.
