We Welcome Lotus High to the RGS Global Village
As part of the RGS 350 campaign, our commitment to a decade of philanthropy, we are delighted to announce our new partnership welcoming Lotus High School, Cape Town, South Africa to the RGS Global Village.
This exciting new initiative aims to support Lotus High, a state school in South Africa facing significant challenges, and marks a step forward in our Outreach and Partnerships programme extending our reach to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
In 2023, Lotus High was the lowest performing school in the Western Cape, facing many challenges and difficulties. Lotus High found itself caught in a financial paradox; historically seen as a school for middle-income families owing to its location, the current demographic told a different story. The annual school fee of R720, or £30 per pupil, was unaffordable for families at Lotus High School. Only 10% of the pupils’ families could afford to pay fees, as parents faced challenges of high unemployment rates and an impoverished community.
However, under the leadership of Stephen Price, a retired head from one of Cape Town’s premier schools, the tide began to turn. By the end of 2023, the school’s pass rate had improved by an impressive 60%; a new school uniform had been implemented, a new school song written, and a sustainable strategy and affordability plan developed to enable all children to thrive.
The partnership with RGS will help further by providing ongoing support, guidance and resources. Many children who attend Lotus High have never left their neighbourhood, never seen the beautiful sites on their doorstep such as Table Mountain, instead living their lives in the streets they were born into. Their walk to school is fraught with the danger of being attacked and robbed, beaten or even shot. Many have no access to technology such as laptops, phones or whiteboards in school. But together we believe that we can change all of that. Both schools share a similar vision; to ensure that all children in our care are nurtured, all feel a sense of belonging, all are given the opportunities to succeed in whatever way they wish.
By offering educational support and training, donations of funds, unwanted books, laptops and clothing, and interaction between our two communities, we feel that we can help these children to see a brighter future and help our children to learn the importance of giving back; to learn that they are part of a global village and that they have incredible potential to effect positive change in the world. Surely that is the most important lesson of all.
To find out more about Lotus High School, please click here: https://lotushighschool.co.za/. Following them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ourlotushighschool you will be able to see the fantastic efforts being made to give the community hope. RGS looks forward to being part of that in the coming years.
The RGS Global Village now has schools on three continents, with commercial and philanthropic partnerships helping to create life chances for thousands of young people. The RGS Global Village includes our Alumni, found in major cities around the world. The Children in Lotus High, Reigate Grammar School UK and other members of the RGS family will benefit hugely from a world-wide network, supporting them to be international citizens and to be future-ready.
RGS Headmaster Shaun Fenton said: “It has been an honour to enter this partnership with Lotus High School and to continue to provide opportunities for thousands of children in our care.”