It was established for a small group of street children who desperately wanted an education, to get off the streets and return to their families. Most of them had to leave school and ended up on the streets due to reasons of poverty and difficult family circumstances. Their old schools would not take them back as they had been away for too long, so this is how the project began and The Gem Projec
t started it own education programme for these kids. The project was named The Gem Project because of the founder's belief that anyone can become a “gem” if offered the correct opportunities, guidance and care. The project has grown since 2010 and now we have opened up the project to any young people from tough backgrounds who want an education and an opportunity to get somewhere in life. The project runs a small school running classes in numeracy, literacy and life skills classes. Our goal is for the students to receive an education, 3 nationally recognised qualifications, vocational skills training and ultimately employment in their chosen field. The students work on community projects each month during their studies to help their communities, which allows the students to put into practice the vocational skills they learn whilst at The Gem Project. Money is raised for these community projects through our computer recycling programme. The Gem Project also runs a sister programme in the townships where it sponsors up to 20 children of all ages who are struggling to stay in school due to poverty. Any promising students who pass their final exams are then considered for sponsorship for higher education. Girls are especially encouraged to apply for these scholarships, but it is open to all of our students. The Gem Project aims to grow and reach as many young people and their families as it can. Our next goal is to set up township recycling projects, where the families of our students can work together to earn an income for themselves and their families.
