First place winner, Grade 7 student, Ziarah B.

In South Africa, poverty often robs children of the opportunities they need to reach their full potential, but we are proving every day that when quality education and the right support meets determination, remarkable things happen.

This year, South African students made history at the 2025 International Mathematics Olympiad in Australia, achieving the country’s best ranking in 25 years by placing 38th out of 110 countries.

Closer to home, our Junior School students shone in the Standard Bank Matific Maths Olympiad, earning 1st place in the Western Cape and 7th nationally. This victory is even more inspiring when you consider that many of our learners come from Cape Town’s most resource-poor neighbourhoods.

Ziarah B., a Grade 7 student from Manenberg ranked first for our school. Her goal for the competition was to give her full effort on every question and aim for five stars each time.

Our commitment to providing holistic, high-quality education goes beyond competitions. In systemic tests for Grades 3, 6, and 9, our students surpassed the provincial averages by up to 49% in Mathematics and English. With nearly 90% of learners achieving commendable results, we are proving that poverty does not have to dictate a child’s academic future.

Every child, regardless of background, deserves the opportunity to thrive. Through the generosity of our supporters and the strength of our teaching, we are changing the narrative for children from resource-poor communities.

To find out how you can support us, email partnership@sa.christelhouse.org