Uplands Outreach

01/09/2026

Hello, Spring!

As we welcome the new season - Spring, the Uplands Outreach team is embracing the season with colour, energy and plenty of positivity! From the first blossoms appearing in the Japhet Outreach Centre’s Garden to the brighter, longer days ahead, spring reminds us of the beauty of renewal and the possibilities that come with every new beginning. May this season inspire hope, growth, connection and new opportunities for everyone. Here’s to a bright and beautiful Spring filled with fresh energy and reasons to bloom!

27/08/2026

Emerging Literacy - It’s all about the little ones!

Literacy experts working with children have proven time and again that pre-school children are far more likely to become confident readers and learners when they enjoy the experience of being read to at the earliest ages. When curiosity, laughter, imagination, and connection are at the heart of how we provide reading opportunities to children, they choose to engage, listen and read more. When they read more, their skills and prospects improve. Reading for pleasure at the earliest age is not a luxury or a “nice to have” – indeed, it is essential. Research consistently shows that children who are read to (at an early age) have stronger reading outcomes eventually, with a broader vocabulary and better general knowledge. They are also more likely to develop a lasting reading habit and traits such as empathy, curiosity and openness. Thanks again to Lesaka Technologies for providing assistance with ECD training and development, along with literacy resources that are bright and engaging!

19/08/2026

Grateful Thanks to our SL4E Steering Committee!

Uplands Outreach would like to thank the SL4E Steering Committee for taking time to meet at the Japhet Outreach Centre recently - it was wonderful to re-connect and reflect on the course of the school leadership programme. The purpose of the Steering Committee is to set the tone for cooperation and collegiality in the cohort, to discuss topics and recommend decisions and actions that move the cohort forward in a positive direction. The Committee prides itself on representing all its stakeholders and making well-considered and balanced recommendations. Topics in the meeting covered the 2027 programme, matric camps and Grade 12 motivational speeches. Giving ‘voice and choice’ to our programme participants helps to nurture the spirit of professionalism that SL4E is known for. To find out how you can assist the school leadership programme, please contact Violah Moya, Head of Uplands Outreach.

12/08/2026

Celebrating Our Award-Winning Partner Educators!

We proudly celebrate and congratulate several participants from our programmes who were recognised at the Ehlanzeni District Teaching Awards. Your achievement reflects your hard work, dedication and commitment to becoming the best teachers you can be. You make a positive difference in the lives of your learners, and this recognition is a well-deserved celebration of your efforts. May this achievement encourage you to keep learning, leading and inspiring others in your schools and communities. Your passion for teaching and your willingness to keep learning makes a difference in your schools. Thank you for representing the values of excellence, lifelong learning and professional growth. Congratulations once again! We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make.

09/08/2026

Happy Women’s Day!

“Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ Imbokodo.”
“You strike a woman, you strike a rock.”

Today, we celebrate the incredible strength, resilience and leadership women carry in their homes, workplaces, schools and communities. It is through your courage and kindness that we uplift others, open doors for the future and build stronger communities. On this National Women’s Day, may every woman be reminded that your voice matters, your experiences have value, and your contributions leave a lasting mark on the world around you. To the women who nurture, lead, build, challenge and inspire , we honour you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate the difference you make every day!

09/08/2026

Happy Women’s Day from the special women of Uplands Outreach!

05/08/2026

AMESA Conference for Mathematics Educators

Mathematics is more than numbers - it's about lighting the spark that helps learners think, explore and believe in their abilities. That was the spirit of this year's AMESA Conference at the University of Mpumalanga, where our partner educators joined this five-day national Professional Learning Community with its theme of ‘Breaking Barriers.’ Surrounded by passionate voices in Mathematics education, our participants gained fresh perspectives and practical strategies to continue transforming the way learners experience and interact with Maths. 55% of our Maths Mentors cohort attended, which is fantastic, along with 10 previous partner educators! There was something for every teacher at the conference. Sessions explored practical classroom tips, creative ways to teach multi-digit multiplication and the role of AI and indigenous languages in Mathematics education. Each one offered ideas that teachers can take back to their classrooms. Every new idea is an opportunity to strengthen teaching and learning, and we're excited to bring these lessons into our work with schools. Thank you, AMESA and team, for another enjoyable conference!

29/07/2026

Championing Inclusive Learning!

The Japhet Outreach Centre is a hub of excellence and professional development! We continue to support vibrant Professional Learning Communities of dedicated Primary Mathematics teachers by nurturing their passion for Maths, mentoring and life-long learning.

We welcomed Thapelo Ngwenya as a special guest speaker, who facilitated a discussion on the role of School-Based Support Teams (SBSTs) and the implementation of the Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) process. Teachers engaged with one another on how these frameworks support teaching and learning for learners experiencing barriers to learning.

We thank Mr Ngwenya for sharing his knowledge and experience with us. The session gave participants a clearer understanding of the SBST and SIAS processes and highlighted the important role they play in supporting learners and creating inclusive learning environments. To support Maths teachers, please contact Violah Moya, Head of Uplands Outreach.

27/07/2026

23/07/2026

Road Safety in Early Learning

The Uplands Outreach team continues with its school visits to Early Learning Centres and Grade R classrooms. It is always a joy to step into these learning spaces where learning is hands-on. Each visit brings a special kind of excitement as the children spot the Uplands Outreach vehicle arriving in the school grounds. Little faces light up, waves fill the air and instant buzz of excitement.

On this particular visit, they explored Road Safety. With crayons in hand, they worked together to create traffic lights - red, orange and green. It is always rewarding how quickly young children absorb these life-saving lessons when they are presented in an engaging way.

These school visits remain the bedrock of the work we continue to do in the rural communities. They serve as an opportunity to plant early foundations of life-long learning in environments where such engagements can have lasting impacts. Thanks to our donors and the Phleta Foundation for all the support that enables us to continue our work.