Read what people are saying about LEAP

The article "A LEAP in the Dark" has generated some great dialogue. To find out what people are saying, please click here: http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-08-19-a-leap-in-the-dark  

A LEAP in the Dark

John Gilmour and LEAP were recently featured in an article in the Mail and Gaurdian. The article looks at John's commitment to transforming communities through maths and science education initiatives and highlights LEAP's innovative approach to achieving this. To read the article, please click here: http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-08-19-a-leap-in-the-dark.

Girl in Engineering Day at the University of Cape Town

A group of Grade 12 learners from LEAP attended the Girl in Engineering Day at the University of Cape Town on 16 May 2009. All the girls enjoyed the day and discovered much more about the industry and the career opportunities that it offers. Thank you to South African Women in Engineering who made the day possible.

“Through the presentations and the career fair I learnt a lot about engineering. I came away with a new career goal, Civil Engineering, which I had not thought of before. The day was very helpful for me, I enjoyed and learnt a lot.” Khululwa Gcabo

“Interacting with other people was one of the things that made the day for me. I now have more knowledge about engineering and I am considering a career in Chemical Engineering.” Khanyiswa Springane

“The building project that we did was enjoyable. The girls in my group cooperated and we worked hard. I made friends and my aim is to keep the networking with the girls and mentors alive.” Yanela Dlokweni

Ben Rabinowitz Awarded the Mayors’s Medal

We would like to congratulate Ben Rabinowitz, one of LEAP’s Directors, who was awarded the Mayors’s Medal by Helen Zille during a civic awards ceremony in Cape Town on 16 April 2009. The medal is given for outstanding contributions to the community. Ben is very committed LEAP Science and Maths School and has been an integral part of the organisation since his appointment on the Board in 2005.

“Benjamin Philip Rabinowitz, lawyer and businessman, was born in Cape Town in 1933. This larger-than life personality is known as a man who truly embodies the spirit of altruism. Now semi-retired, Ben fills his days with doing ‘good deeds’, giving before being asked, stepping in where angels fear to tread, and using his formidable legal knowledge to fight worthy causes.

Ben contributes towards a long list of educational, environmental and cultural causes. A champion for human rights, he has always fought for justice, and secured many judgements to protect those whose rights were being violated. He is not afraid to litigate on points of principle, often at huge personal cost. His outspokenness has resulted in much public debate, and frequently also much needed change. The man known to many in Cape Town as ‘Big Ben’ is indeed an inspiration and a fine example.”To read more about the awards ceremony, click here.

In the Hot Seat!

During the 2009 National Election Campaign, HEAT Magazine interviewed a number of prominent politicians. Our recently appointed Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, included John Gilmour as one of the people that she would most like to invite to a dinner party. Helen describes John as “a practical idealist creating opportunities for many who would otherwise be trapped in poverty.” To read full the article, click here.

Two LEAP learners represent South Africa at the World Debating Championships

The school has had 2 representatives in the South African side that has debated at the World Debating Championships. We have had 5 representatives selected for Western Province. Together with Bishops School, we won the regional round of the United Nations Debate and reached the National Competition.

Teach with Africa Announces their 2009 Fellows

Teach With Africa will be sending 20 educators this July and August to the three LEAP School campuses - two in Cape Town and the newly opened school in Johannesburg. This reflects not only an increase in the size of their team (from 12 educators in 2008) but also an expansion to the third LEAP School, in keeping with their strategic plan to increase their support of the LEAP across our network. www.teachwithafrica.org