As Axium Education continues its mission to enhance literacy across the Eastern Cape Province, the recent expansion to Mqanduli Road (MQR) has marked a significant milestone in scaling the Nobalisa program’s impact. With seven schools now involved across two clusters, this expansion not only reflects an increase in outreach but also deepens our commitment to delivering quality educational support to underserved communities.
Just three months ago, the opening of this satellite office marked a turning point for literacy in Mqanduli. With this new base, seven local schools now have direct access to dedicated literacy support right in their communities. The launch event was a moment of celebration, attended by local education leaders, including the district director. Her inspiring words highlighted the Nobalisa program’s transformational capacity and ignited excitement among teachers and school management teams (SMTs). For teachers, learners, and principals in these rural areas, this office is a vital resource that helps address the long-standing challenges to literacy development.
one of the seven schools benefiting from the site office
One of the most impactful benefits of the MQR office is simply being there, right where the schools need it. Before this, Nobalisa facilitators had to travel long distances from the main office in Zithulele, facing lengthy commutes that often led to exhaustion and delays. Now, with a central hub only minutes from partner schools, facilitators arrive each day energised and fully prepared. This proximity also means that tasks like updating resources and printing materials can be done without hours on the road. As one team member put it, “Having a centralised site has closed the gaps. We’re not wasting time on the road anymore; we’re here, ready to support.”
The location of the MQR office is strategic, positioned near both district and circuit offices. This proximity simplifies coordination with educational stakeholders and strengthens Axium’s presence and influence in the area. Teachers and principals who once felt isolated now have regular access to trained facilitators. The change is noticeable and widely discussed. One principal expressed their excitement, saying, “Seeing the facilitators here every day, ready to help, has motivated us to take ownership of the program.” This growing sense of ownership is spreading, fostering a stronger community commitment and changing the tone in classrooms and staffrooms alike.
One of the new five leaders leading a training session with the team
This expansion has also created new opportunities. Through a partnership with the Social Employment Fund (SEF), five facilitators have stepped into leadership roles, developing their skills while making a significant impact on education and job creation. These roles not only enhance educational outcomes but also promote career growth, positioning facilitators as advocates for literacy within their communities.
Key to this expansion’s success has been the engagement with community leaders, district officials, and school governing bodies from day one. As Ms. Matikinca, Nobalisa’s Growth & Logistics Manager, explained, "We made sure to involve everyone, from the district director to the local SGB chairs, keeping every step transparent. This open-door approach meant people at every level felt a stake in the program’s success." A great example of this collaboration was when a local SGB chair, who is also a member of the ward committee, brought Axium’s concerns about poor road conditions to the municipality. The outcome? Improved roads that now allow facilitators to reach schools more safely and efficiently. This depth of engagement means the community is not just welcoming Axium—they are invested in its success.
The results of this local presence are already showing. Teachers report that more learners are attending school and principals have noticed a boost in literacy levels that they attribute directly to the consistent support provided by the Nobalisa program. They’re even collaborating to safeguard classroom time, with one principal sharing how they’re working with unions to ensure that district events don’t pull teachers away from class unnecessarily. This small but significant shift is sparked by data-driven quarterly meetings and visible improvements in the classroom. Additionally, Axium’s active role in the District Education Forum has reinforced its reputation as a key educational partner, sharing best practices and valuable insights that support district-wide educational goals across both Circuit 1 and Circuit 2.
"For Axium, the MQR office is also a win for operational sustainability, particularly in transportation and vehicle maintenance. For example, just last month, the team’s fuel costs were cut from R9,000 to R4,000, thanks to the reduced travel distance. These savings allow Axium to invest more directly into the program, ensuring that facilitators have the resources they need without the constant strain of travel. While still early, these cost savings promise sustainable financial health for the organisation and provide a model for cost-efficient expansion to other regions," said Mr. Zondeka, Chief Operations Officer.
Looking ahead, the MQR office serves as a model for future growth. In 2025, Axium plans to launch a satellite office in Coffee Bay, extending support to an additional six schools. This phased approach allows Axium to refine its satellite office framework, address challenges and capitalise on successes before replicating it on a larger scale.
hope for more rural learners to receive quality education
The Mqanduli expansion is more than just a step forward; it’s part of Axium’s long-term vision to boost literacy outcomes in rural South Africa. By 2025, the Nobalisa program aims to reach 50 schools, supporting approximately 7,000 learners and employing over 250 young people from local communities. Beyond numbers, this expansion is about developing the “proof of concept” that will enable advocacy for more widespread adoption across the country.
Commentaires