Thembalitsha School of Hope in Athlone, Cape Town achieved a 100% Matric pass rate in 2011 in a country where the overall pass rate is 70.2%.

Cape Town, 10 January 2012 – Travelstart South Africa is proud to announce that the Class of 2011 Matrics from School of Hope achieved a 100% pass rate. Since 2009 Travelstart has committed to funding the School of Hope - a project that falls under the larger Thembalitsha Foundation in the Western Cape.

“The achievement of our 2011 Matrics is a story of hope and perseverance against all odds.” says Laura Collura, Director of Education at School of Hope. “For the educators and management it is confirmation that our model works. Every young person has the right to a good education, all that we require is commitment and that each learner has taken responsibility for their learning.”

After joining the vision for School of Hope three years ago, Travelstart has funded teachers’ salaries, stationery and books. Laura says of Travelstart’s contribution, “Donors like Travelstart make it possible for us to hire the best teachers - those who are passionate about teaching and who want to see every individual access the best education possible, regardless of where they come from or what they have done. Thank you, Travelstart South Africa, for your contribution in 2011. You share in our victory!”

The school offers hope through education for ‘Youth at Risk’ including those who have dropped out of or have been forced out of school due to issues like gangsterism and teenage pregnancy. The school also offers opportunities for ‘Vulnerable Youth’ - those in danger of dropping out of school because of abuse or abandonment. School of Hope provides a nurturing, trouble-free environment so that young people are able to continue their education. 

Travelstart CEO Stephan Ekbergh says “School of Hope is a shining example of what you can achieve with little means and lots of ambition, love and perseverance. We have been part of School of Hope for three years now and we are amazed how the teachers impart vision and integrity to the students, giving them a solid foundation for the future. We are simply honoured to share School of Hope's success and want to wish the students all the best in the days to come. We also want to express our gratitude to our loyal customers who support us so we can stand behind the Thembalitsha Foundation. More than 250 000 passengers booked their travel with us in 2011, and numbers like these ensure we’re able to continue building one of the best schools in the country!”