JumpStart Foundation has been named a finalist for the prestigious CSI Legacy Awards in the Best NGO category, recognising its significant contributions to education and community empowerment in South Africa. Founded with a mission to create equitable access to quality education, the foundation has transformed early-grade mathematics learning for thousands of young learners across the country.
At the helm of JumpStart is Managing Director Callen Hodgskiss, a Chartered Accountant whose passion for social change stems from personal experiences. Growing up with a mother who was a teacher instilled in him a love of learning, while volunteer work at a high school in Dobsonville gave him insight into the challenges faced by learners. These experiences shaped his vision for the foundation: ensuring every young South African develops a strong foundation in mathematics and STEM subjects, regardless of their background.
JumpStart operates in under-resourced schools across five provinces, focusing on critical early-grade mathematics skills. The foundation has tackled systemic challenges through a holistic and innovative approach. It pilot-tests educational materials tailored to the South African context, fosters collaboration with teachers and school authorities, and addresses unemployment by recruiting local youth as Educator Assistants. These efforts have significantly improved early-grade maths outcomes while creating employment opportunities within the communities it serves.
The foundation’s impact over the past decade is impressive. JumpStart has supported over 100,000 learners, with 20,000 students benefitting annually, and has employed more than 200 Educator Assistants each year. Its efforts have doubled learning gains in foundational maths years and contributed to improved performance in districts like Fezile Dabi in the Free State, which now boasts some of the highest maths results in the region.
Recognition as a finalist for the CSI Legacy Awards affirms JumpStart’s dedication and highlights its achievements. However, the foundation views this as more than a celebration of its success; it is an opportunity to share insights, expand its initiatives, and secure the support needed to scale its efforts. Future plans include enhancing teacher training in collaboration with tertiary institutions and conducting rigorous research to refine its methodologies and influence educational policy.
The foundation’s work extends beyond academic success, empowering Educator Assistants to pursue careers in teaching and creating a ripple effect of positive change. Witnessing improved confidence among learners and transformative stories from Educator Assistants drives the team’s commitment to equitable education.
JumpStart also advocates for a broader understanding of the systemic challenges in schools. By addressing curriculum gaps alongside the socio-emotional factors affecting learners and teachers, it offers a model for sustainable change. The foundation sees NGOs as potential research and development hubs for scalable solutions, offering invaluable insights into tackling South Africa’s education crisis.
As a CSI Legacy Awards finalist, JumpStart Foundation shines as an example of the transformative power of education and community collaboration. Its innovative approach and measurable impact inspire hope for a brighter, more equitable future for South Africa’s learners.
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