Background This project focuses on improving the quality and accessibility of education in the recently restructured Mhonhlo district of the Eastern Cape. The majority of Mhonhlo comprises highly-populated rural areas of the former homeland of Transkei, and the schools are probably the least well resources in South Africa, servicing some of the poorest communities. There is a legacy of poor infrastructure, limited employment opportunities, a high percentage of female-led households and chronic poverty.
Many families are reliant on remittances from migrant labourers and pensions.
The poor quality of education is evident in low exam pass rates, a lack of physical resources in schools, and large numbers of under-qualified teachers. The District office has very few resources to enable any active participation with schools. Within this picture however, there are a small but substantial minority of exemplary District Officials, teachers and schools upon which development can be based. This project is set to become the main focus for Link Community Development South Africa over the next three years. We shall soon be the biggest education NGO working in this province.