St Joseph’s Marist College in Rondebosch has for the last two years been partnering with fellow-Catholic school, Regina Coeli in Athlone, in a pupil upliftment programme.
The weekly programme is aimed at Grade 2 pupils, and sees approximately 45 children, accompanied by two teachers from Regina Coeli, receiving maths and sports tuition at St Joseph’s.
“Our former Chaplain, Father Jerome Aranes, started the project with our partners at Regina Coeli,” said Shona Smith from St Joseph’s who runs the programme for the school.
“We are delighted to be able to share our facilities so that they may also benefit young children from the broader Catholic community.”
Regina Coeli’s principal, Hilton Alie, commended the programme, saying: “We have seen a marked improvement in our Grade 2 maths results, as well as significant progress in sports development as a result of this collaboration. We look forward to working with our colleagues at St Joseph’s into 2017 and beyond since we share a joint passion and commitment for improving and advancing young children, both academically and physically”.
In the last year, pupils from Regina Coeli also benefited from a holiday programme which included trips to the Science Centre and the movies, as well as sharpening their indoor cricket skills.