The transformative impact of REAP’s post-school readiness program

The Rural Education Access Programme (REAP) Post School Readiness Program is a multi-dimensional community-based developmental project working with Grade 10 to 12 learners at selected schools in the Northern Cape. They engage senior learners, instilling hope and providing guidance for life beyond school, preparing them for post-school education and training opportunities such as University and TVET colleges.

The crucial, much needed support REAP offers includes matching students with suitable pathways and offering opportunities to improve grades if needed.

With support from The Lesedi Solar Park Trust, the REAP program is currently being implemented in two Northern Cape schools, namely Ratang Thuto Secondary and Kuilsville High. 

Boitumelo Motshwane is one of the students who grabbed this opportunity with both hands. Motshwane matriculated in 2023 from Ratang Thuto Secondary with a Bachelor’s pass and a distinction in Business Management. She is currently a first year student at Sol Plaatje University, pursuing a Diploma in Retail Business Management. 

When asked about the support she received from REAP, Motshwane had this to say: “REAP helped me with many aspects of my life, not just career support. We received mental support in the form of our facilitator who was always there to listen and offer advice. They also offered us career advice, helped us to identify our strengths to ensure that we choose a course we are best suited to. I was able to dedicate my attention to my books because they stepped in and helped me apply to Universities and guided the path for me.”

Renisha Boom and Estymonia Thomas both matriculated with good marks from Kuilsville High in 2022. Through continued support from REAP, they went on to better their marks through a programme at University of Stellenbosch, A4S. 

The A4S(Access for Success) programme offered them an opportunity to better their marks for Maths and Physics.

Both Boom and Thomas are currently registered students at CPUT, pursuing diplomas in Electrical Engineering. 

The 2023 matric class from Kuilsville also performed well with three students currently pursuing diplomas in Tourism Management. The three students are Omphile Oor, Omphile Sebera, and Sindelo Booysen.

REAP continues to support students in tertiary institutions by providing much needed assistance including tutors, mental health support, financial support, emotional support, and much more.

The partnership between The Lesedi Solar Park Trust and REAP continues to assist numerous students to realise their potential. We are exceptionally proud of all the students who have grabbed the opportunity to be a part of this program and allowed it to uplift them.