The Wilson Foundation
Waterberg Academy

Waterberg Academy

View slideshow Waterberg Academy was established in 2003 by local community leaders, with the help and support of Trisha Wilson and The Wilson Foundation. This independent school was the first of its kind in the area. What began as a modest initiative has now expanded into a full-fledged school community that provides a model for the new South Africa, offering quality education regardless of color or economic background. The school has continued to grow, and in December 2009 Waterberg Academy celebrated its first Grade 12 graduating class.

The Wilson Foundation has supported Waterberg Academy in a number of ways: providing bursaries (scholarships) for disadvantaged children to attend the school; funding for uniforms, books, and in some cases, support for those who live in the school's boarding hostel. We also underwrite the salaries of several teachers and teaching assistants.

Two of our Wilson Scholars were among Waterberg Academy's first graduating class in December 2009. One student aspires to be a psychologist and the other plans to become a pharmacist. We will continue to help these students at university so they can achieve their dreams.

The native language of this region is Northern Sotho, and many of Waterberg Academy's youngest students do not know English when they first come to school. We help sponsor a teacher-facilitator bilingual in Northern Sotho and English to assist these students with language proficiency.

As an outreach to the community, Waterberg Academy's kindergarten teachers have developed a Creche Training Program to train teachers at rural farm schools. In South Africa, a preschool is called a "creche,' and for the many families living and working on farms, the creche school offers young children their first introduction to learning. The Wilson Foundation proudly supports this effort and the commitment of the Waterberg Academy teachers who are sharing their skills and love of teaching with others.

Thanks to a generous lead gift and other contributions, The Wilson Foundation funded a new Library, Science and Technology Center at Waterberg Academy in 2009. This center, which features a library with books for students from preschool to Grade 12, a computer lab and a science lab, represents a significant step in the school's growth and development.




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How You Can Help

There are many ways you can support our efforts to bring help and hope to the children of South Africa. While we receive many generous offers to donate products, supplies and other items, the cost to ship these items to South Africa is often prohibitive. Therefore, we encourage monetary donations to help meet local needs.





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