Byline: Amanda Gumede
Johannesburg, 27 July 2024

Classroom Buddies Organisation (CBO) is making a significant impact in promoting quality education by offering free tutoring, school presentations, workshops, and mentorship programs in Alexandra, Soweto, and Langlaagte.

CBO is dedicated to encouraging high school learners to pursue further studies, including university education. “We are focusing on Sustainable Development Goal number 4, which is quality education, and that is our main goal,” said Mr. Christian Kayembe, the initiator of CBO from the University of Johannesburg. The organisation provides free tutorial sessions every Saturday in Alexandra, Soweto, and Langlaagte, specifically at Abraham Kriel. These sessions assist high school learners in maintaining good academic performance and ensure they reach university. The tutors, who are students from the University of Johannesburg, do a remarkable job of motivating and sharing their experiences with the learners. “I have gained the ability to communicate with different people, improved my teaching skills, and developed time management skills,” stated Kwanda Mkhonto, a CBO tutor coordinator.

Attending university can expose students to various opportunities, not just a degree. CBO also offers school presentation programs, visiting different high schools to provide motivation and career guidance to Grade 12 learners. This helps learners decide what to study at university and maintain good academic performance. Mentors assist learners with university applications, ensuring they are submitted on time. “Our aim is to motivate high school learners to complete their matric and pursue university education,” stated Mr. Christian. The organisation has successfully helped many learners pass their matric exams and secure university placements. While the unemployment rate remains high in the country, graduates from university generally have better opportunities.

CBO began in 2015 as a group of university students returning to their former schools to give motivational talks to Grade 12 learners. “In 2016, the organisation was registered as a Non-Profit Organisation with the Department of Social Development,” said Mr. Christian. He started this organisation out of concern for the high dropout rate among students. He wanted to help high schools and learners maintain good academic performance and improve their passing rates. The organisation has since grown and expanded its activities, including online tutoring, contact tutoring, school presentations, hosting workshops for young girls and boys, providing career guidance, and supporting youth skills development.

To sustain the organisation, Mr. Christian has reached out to companies and individuals for donations. He also makes a monthly contribution and collaborates with other organisations to maintain financial stability. “We have worked with the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng Department of Education,” said Mr. Christian. Next month, in celebration of Women’s Month, CBO will host a workshop for young girls, with the City of Johannesburg helping to cover expenses. “Classroom Buddies is a great organisation, and I hope it gets the support it deserves to reach more people,” stated Kwanda. High school learners are encouraged to further their studies and experience university life. Remember, education is the key to success.