Winter School Program

Our Winter School Program

This past June, we celebrated our first-ever Winter School program, continuing to strive towards our mission of empowering South African youth through education! From June 17-21, the program brought together 30 students from grades 8 to 12, representing a diverse mix of backgrounds from local schools. Read through our blog to learn a bit more about the Winter Program!

Programme Structure:

The Winter School was designed not only to provide intensive academic tutoring across various subjects but also to inspire career aspirations and foster personal growth among the participants. Each day begins with focused tutoring sessions, complemented by interactive games and motivational activities to keep the learners engaged and socially connected.

A highlight of the programme was its immersive Career Day, where professionals from diverse fields such as defense, police services, sports, entrepreneurship, and more shared insights into their careers. This allowed students to explore a wide range of potential paths and engage in meaningful Q&A sessions to deepen their understanding.

  • Monday to Thursday: Mornings focused on academic tutoring in various subjects, interspersed with interactive games and motivational activities.

  • Friday - Career Day: Immersive in presentations from professionals across sectors like defense, police services, sports, entrepreneurship, and more. Interactive Q&A sessions enriched learners' understanding of diverse career paths.

Tutoring Approach:

The program's tutoring strategy utilized:

  • Inkululeko alumni: Served as relatable tutors and role models.

  • Virtual tutors from the USA: Provided international perspectives, broadening horizons across subjects.

Highlights and Successes:

The Winter School garnered high engagement levels, showcased diverse career presentations, seamlessly integrated local and international tutoring, and fostered a supportive environment for learners to express aspirations.

Areas for Improvement or Expansion:

While successful, areas for enhancement include expanding STEM-focused careers, increasing hands-on workshops, and exploring extended or follow-up sessions beyond the program.

Feedback and Testimonials:

Feedback from both participants and tutors was overwhelmingly positive, noting high levels of engagement and newfound enthusiasm among the students. While the programme was a success, there are plans to expand and enhance future iterations by including more STEM-focused career presentations, increasing hands-on workshops, and exploring opportunities for extended or follow-up sessions beyond the initial week.

Overall, Inkululeko's Winter School program exemplifies its commitment to preparing young South Africans for success by providing not only academic support but also valuable exposure to diverse career opportunities and fostering a supportive learning environment. As the organization looks to the future, it aims to build on this foundation, ensuring even greater impact and empowerment for youth in the years to come. This programme not only prepares learners for academic success but also nurtures well-rounded, ambitious individuals ready to shape their futures positively. As Inkululeko continues to evolve, its dedication to fostering academic excellence and personal growth remains steadfast, ensuring a brighter future for South African youth.


Jason Torreano