Rogz Academy News
We’re excited to share with you the progress of Rogz Academy, our NPO (non-profit organization) which has grown from a fledgling passion project started in 2012. Rogz co-founders, Irené and Paul, wanted to create a culture of caring, being real, following passions and being a part of the change. Because there is more to business than just doing business… and so, our NPO evolved.
Please click on the first issue below to view.
Why Rogz Academy started
Rogz Academy is a non-profit organisation registered in 2016, empowering local communities in the spirit of ubuntu through education, youth development and nutrition for a sustainable future together.
When Rogz started in Cape Town, South Africa in June 1995, all energies went into building a company from scratch to a stable position where the company could do more than sell the world’s coolest pet gear and provide jobs for the local community, but also empower their families. The challenges seemed overwhelming, but sustained and focused energy into helping under-resourced individuals conquer these challenges, really is making a difference – even if it is one starfish at a time. Rogz founders, Irené and Paul, wanted to create a culture of caring, being real, and following passions! Download the Rogz Academy Profile here.
Key Partnerships
Thank you to the following key partners whose collaboration with Rogz Academy has made implementation of our various projects sustainable! Click on the logo to find out more.
Western Cape Government
Our team began working together with the Western Cape Education Department early on in our journey, so as to make sure that we aligned our goals with their goal of seeing a well-performing Sophakama Primary School. We continue to stay in regular touch with their representatives who work with Sabelo and his teaching team.
The Western Cape Premier’s Office launched the Year Beyond Programme and Sophakama was chosen as one of the eight schools from the Western Cape to participate on the programme. We hope to see this partnership go from strength to strength as the Year Beyond Programme grows.
University of Cape Town
Working closely with the University of Cape Town’s School Development Unit (SDU), and WCED, the SDU team conducted a ‘case study’ at the school (using observations/interviews/focus groups) and a written report was submitted to Sophakama Primary School.
We believe our partnership with the SDU has brought expertise and well-founded research to our implementation of this programme. The SDU promote quality teaching and learning across all grades, with a specific focus on mathematics, the sciences and languages and contribute to the continuing professional development of teachers and school managers.
Nextstep
NEXTSTEP is a unique coaching and training company. We use deep listening, reflection and inquiry to create a safe space for our clients to pause, take a breath and notice what is really happening in them right now. From this more peaceful place they can discover their own next steps.
The NEXTSTEP approach encourages clients to be vulnerable enough to access the courage and curiosity they need to be fully present, face reality, embrace all their experience without judgement, and make the most of their opportunities. Challenges make it more difficult for us to be present, yet it is only when we are truly in the moment that we can act effectively.
OLICO
Olico Maths Education offers a sense-making and confidence-building approach that makes maths accessible and meaningful to South African school children. Why? We do this to open up the maximum opportunities to all children. How? Through the provision of high quality maths resources tailored to the SA realities that are tried and tested in practice in combination with teachers, tutors and NGOs - and then feeding our learnings back into the national debate.
Shine Literacy
The methodology used in the morning English literacy programme is based on Shine Literacy’s long-established model. Their Shine Centres provide individualised support to learners in Grades 2 and 3 to strengthen their English reading, writing and speaking skills. Learners work with trained volunteers once or twice a week, during the school day, for at least one year. A range of activities are covered in a session, including paired and shared reading, have-a-go writing and fun language games. Shine uses assessments to select learners for the programme and to track progress. The Year Beyond Programme also uses the Shine Literacy programme.
Boost Africa Foundation
Boost Africa Foundation assists learners to stay in school. They believe that education counteracts crime and poverty and has long-term social development benefits. The foundation provides learners with the basic requirements necessary to attend school and aims to establish a sustainable learning centre with resources to improve numeracy, literacy and skills development of the youth.
NAL'IBALI
Nal’ibali (isiXhosa for “here’s the story”) is a national campaign that promotes reading for enjoyment and develops children’s potential through storytelling and reading. Nal’ibali deliver over 300 newspaper supplements (found in the Sunday Times Express newspaper) regularly to the school.
The Click Foundation
This is the online phonetics-based English literacy programme used by the learners on the Year Beyond Programme. The primary aim of the programme is to assist learners achieve English literacy proficiency at an age-appropriate level. Learners work at their own pace on the technology, facilitated by the volunteers. They are provided with visual and auditory instructions to make learning fun using reading games, songs and activities.
The Click Foundation
This is the online phonetics-based English literacy programme used by the learners on the Year Beyond Programme. The primary aim of the programme is to assist learners achieve English literacy proficiency at an age-appropriate level. Learners work at their own pace on the technology, facilitated by the volunteers. They are provided with visual and auditory instructions to make learning fun using reading games, songs and activities.
Platinum Donors
We are extremely grateful to the following Platinum Donors around the world for their ongoing generous financial support to Rogz Academy, and hope to expand this network soon!
How to support
All monetary donations are welcome! In order for Rogz Academy to fulfil its promises to all its programmes, funds are allocated from our Rogz Academy NPO bank account which is audited and checked every year. We are able to accept donations from Australia via our EFT details below.
Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT)
Step 1: Set up Rogz Academy NPO as a Beneficiary
Account Name: Rogz Academy NPO
Bank: ABSA
Branch: Montague Gardens
Branch Code: 632005
Account Number: 4088949545
Step 2: Add the SWIFT code: ABSA ZA JJ
Step 3: Input the amount you would like to donate and PAY
Contact Details
Phone: +27 (0) 21 551 2839
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