News

Springing with Sparrow Schools

Looking back with gratitude

As the chill of winter fades and the first blooms of spring begin to appear, we find ourselves reflecting on a season that was anything but cold. Thanks to you, our corridors have been filled with warmth, Our learners have been equipped with new skills, and our community has grown stronger than ever.

Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and hope and that is exactly what your generosity has brought to Sparrow Schools. From standing together against bullying to celebrating our remarkable staff, from striking up new sports to striking chords on stage, your support has been the sunshine that made it all possible.

We are delighted to share these stories with you stories that belong to you as much as they do to us. Here is a recount of everything we have achieved together Over the past few months.

In this newsletter you will find:

• Standing Together Against Bullying
• Serving Up Fun – Introducing Pickleball!
• Mandela Month
• Equiping Our Male Staff for Men’s Mental Health Month
• Welcoming Our Learners Back for the Third Term
• A Festive Surprise – Christmas in July with Our Partners
• Striking a Chord – Our Marimba Band Performs at Staedtler
• Keeping Our Children Warm
• Celebrating Our Remarkable Women
• You Are Invited! Sparrow Schools Open Day
• Your Support Is Opening Doors for Children
• Partner & Donor Appreciation

Standing Together Against Bullying

When Andile arrived at Sparrow Foundation School in Grade 1, he struggled to recognise the alphabet and found reading difficult. Quiet and unsure of himself, he rarely participated in class.

Everything changed when he discovered the school library. With the support and encouragement of his teacher, reading slowly became less intimidating and more exciting. What began with a single book soon became a genuine love of stories.

By Grade 2, Andile was spending every spare moment he could in the library. Reading had become his favourite part of the day.

Reflecting on his year, he told us:

“I love reading! This year, I read many books and kicked many balls around on the soccer field. My teacher smiled and said, ‘Good job!’ Next year, I’m going to Grade 3, and I am excited! Thank you for helping me to play and learn.”

Those simple words of praise helped Andile believe in himself.

Now in Grade 3, he is thriving. The boy who once struggled with reading is growing in confidence and discovering his potential.

Thanks to your support, he has a place to learn, play and belong.

Serving Up Fun – Introducing Pickleball!

Lebogang’s passion was different. From an early age, she was fascinated by the natural world. She loved observing insects, leaves and trees, but lacked the language and confidence to talk about what she noticed.

Her teachers recognised this curiosity and encouraged her to explore it. Through Natural Sciences lessons, they helped her develop the language and confidence to share her observations.

In Grade 3, her interest flourished. She excelled in Natural Sciences, producing thoughtful work and enthusiastically participating in class discussions. For the first time, she realised that her curiosity was not something to hide but something to celebrate.

When asked about her year, she beamed:

“I love bugs and leaves and trees. This year, I learnt a lot in natural sciences. My teacher praised me for my commitment. I’m going to Grade 4 next year, and I already can’t wait to learn even more. Thank you for supporting me.”

Now in Grade 4, Lebogang continues to develop her confidence and pursue her love of learning.

Mandela Month

Mandela Month

Every July, South Africa and the world pause to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela—a man who devoted 67 years Of his life to the fight for justice, equality, and human dignity. Mandela Month is more than a commemoration; it is a call to action.

It is a reminder that each of us holds the power to make a difference, no matter how small.

“It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.” – Nelson Mandela, 2026 Global Theme

At Sparrow Schools, we believe that the most powerful way to combat poverty and inequity is through education. Every day, we work to equip our learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to break cycles and build brighter futures.

But we cannot do it alone.

To our donors, partners, and supporters who dedicate far more than 67 minutes to our mission— thank you. You are the living embodiment of Mandela’s legacy, and we are honoured to walk this journey with you. Thank you for answering the call with us!

As we reflect on this Mandela Month, we ask you:

What did you do with your 67 minutes?

Equiping Our Male Staff for Men’s Mental Health Month

On the 26th Of June, we took time during Men’s Mental Health Month to honour and celebrate the incredible men on Our Sparrow Schools staff. Our educators, facilitators, and support staff are the backbone Of Our Organisation, and we wanted to create a dedicated space just for them.

Our male staff give their all every single day showing up with patience, dedication, and love for our learners. This was our small way of saying: We see you. We value you. Your mental health matters to us.

We are grateful to Goldenspear Spur in Cresta and Pickn’Pay RandSteam for making the day extra flavourful with their renowned meals for people with a taste for life- pretty much describing the very essence of our staff. We are also deeply grateful to our donors for making it possible for us to prioritise the wellbeing Of Our entire Sparrow family- staff and learners alike. A healthy, supported staff Creates a healthy, thriving school.

Welcoming Our Learners Back for the Third Term

There is something magical about the first day of a new term. The air buzzes with anticipation, backpacks are freshly packed, and familiar smiles light up our corridors. On the 21st of July, we welcomed Our learners back for the third term, and it felt like a family reunion.

For many of our children, the school holidays can be a challenging time. A break from the structure, safety, and nourishment that Sparrow provides daily. So when they returned, there was a palpable sense of relief and excitement.

They were back where they belong: in a place where they are understood, celebrated, and challenged to grow.

Your support ensures that when Our learners walk through those gates. they walk into a world of possibility.

A Festive Surprise – Christmas in July with Our Partners

Who says you have to wait until December to celebrate? On the 30th of July, we hosted our annual Christmas in July party, and it was nothing short of spectacular!

This special event was Our way Of saying a massive “thank you” to our corporate partners who walk this journey with us throughout the year. We transformed Our hall into a winter wonderland- complete with fairy lights, festive treats, and enough joy to warm even the coldest winter day.

Our learners performed songs, shared heartfelt messages Of gratitude, and sat side-by-side with the very people who make their education possible. For our partners, it was a chance to see firsthand the faces behind the reports they receive. For our learners, it was a reminder that they have a whole village cheering them on.

Striking a Chord – Our Marimba Band Performs at Staedtler

We are bursting with pride Over Our Combined School Marimba Band! Recently, our talented young musicians had the incredible opportunity to perform at Staedtler, a prestigious corporate partner that has supported Our arts programme.

The invitation itself was a milestone- a recognition ofthe discipline, passion, and skill our learners have cu Itivated over months of practice. When they took the stage, their mallets flying across the wooden keys, the rhythm was electric. The audience was captivated.

We are deeply grateful to Staedtler for providing this platform and to our donors who make our music programme possible. The arts are not a luxury; they are a lifeline for self-expression, confidence, and healing.

Keeping Our Children Warm

Winter in Gauteng can be harsh. When the temperatures drop, so does concentration, energy, and morale; especially for children who may not have adequate heating at home. That is why your response to our winter appeal left us absolutely overwhelmed with gratitude.

Thanks to your incredible generosity, we received a substantial donation of heaters that have been placed in every classroom across Our Foundation and Combined Schools. NO more shivering children huddled in their jerseys. No more numb fingers trying to hold a pencil. Instead, our classrooms are now warm, inviting sanctuaries where learning can flourish.

To every donor who contributed, whether large or small, please know that you have literally warmed hearts this winter. We cannot thank you enough.

Celebrating Our Remarkable Women

At Sparrow, we are surrounded by remarkable women every single day. From our dedicated female educators who pour their hearts into nurturing young minds, to the mothers and caregivers who support our learners at home, to the strong young women in our classrooms who are already breaking barriers- we are endlessly inspired by them.

We took time to acknowledge and appreciate the women of Sparrow. It will be a moment Of reflection, gratitude, and empowerment- a reminder that when we invest in women and girls, we invest in entire communities.

We remain deeply grateful to Goldenspear Spur and Pickn’pay Randsteam, who have generously supported both our Men’s Day and Women’s Day celebrations. Your commitment to recognising and uplifting our staff does not go unnoticed.

Thank you for standing with us in celebrating the incredible people who make Sparrow Schools the special place it is.

You Are Invited! Sparrow Schools Open Day

On Saturday, 9 August, we opened our doors to the community for our annual Open Day for the Foundation and Combined Schools and what a day it was!

It was a wonderful opportunity for our supporters to see their donations in action. Visitors toured our classrooms, met our passionate educators, watched Our learners demonstrate their skills, and witnessed the vibrant, nurturing environment that your support sustains. Our pickleball courts were buzzing, and our learners welcomed everyone with open arms.

Whether you joined us on the day or supported us from afar, please know that this celebration was made possible by you.

You are not just donors- you are partners, champions, and family.

Your Support Is Opening Doors for Children

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, discover their strengths and imagine a future filled with possibility.

For children growing up in Jerusalem informal settlement, access to quality education can be life-changing.

Through the Educate a Child programme, your support is helping make that opportunity possible.

Your generosity helps provide:

• Quality education and dedicated teachers
• Nutritious meals that fuel growing minds
• Books and learning resources
• A safe, supportive environment to learn and grow
• The confidence to believe in what is possible

These may seem like simple things but together, they can transform a child’s experience of school and their
hopes for the future.

Your £15 a month can help change a future

A monthly giftcard can fund a bursary for a child who cannot afford basic school fees and receives no other financial support. Your generosity can help turn lack into opportunity, curiosity into confidence, and potential into possibility.

Together, we can help ensure that where a child Starts does not determine where they can go.

Thank you for believing in their future.

To find out more about supporting the Educate a Child programme, please contact Harry Hughes-Davies at harryhughesdavies@gmail.com.

Partner & Donor Appreciation

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our partners and sponsors who continue to walk this journey with us. Your contributions make it possible for us to
provide meaningful, high-quality education and life-changing opportunities to our learners.