In South Africa, the odds are stacked against many children from the moment they begin their school journey. Approximately 40% of those who start Grade 1 drop out before reaching Grade 12. By the time they should be building their futures, 63% of youth face unemployment and only 4% will go on to earn a degree. Perhaps most heartbreakingly, 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning—a foundational skill that shapes everything that comes after.
But where others see statistics, Khula Development Group sees potential.
Khula, a beneficiary of the Val de Vie Foundation, is a nonprofit organisation that aims to prevent school dropout among primary school learners in South Africa’s most disadvantaged communities. Through compassionate support, mentorship and tailored programmes, Khula is rewriting the narrative—one child at a time.
Take the story of one young boy in their programme. Naturally shy and withdrawn, he would quietly attend our sessions. But he found comfort in the presence of a volunteer who prayed with him after each session—something that became the highlight of his day. Then one day, this same quiet child looked up and asked if he could lead the prayer.
It was a simple request, but a monumental moment.
In that moment, he wasn’t just participating—he was leading. He wasn’t just learning—he was growing. And he wasn’t alone. Behind him stood Khula: believing in him, guiding him and giving him the tools to build a different future.
Because that’s what Khula does. It empowers scholars—emotionally, academically and spiritually— helping them find their voice, their strength and their purpose. Every learner supported is more than a statistic. They are dreams waiting to be realised, futures waiting to unfold and prayers waiting to be answered. And with Khula, they are never alone.
The Val de Vie Foundation enables Khula to truly impact the lives of these young scholars, ensuring that, through every challenge, they are met with consistent support, compassion and hope. Khula is deeply grateful to the Val de Vie Foundation for believing in its mission and more importantly, for believing in every child it serves.
