Who we are
Giving children a hand up and not a handout
Tereo School is a faith-based, non-profit organisation, established in 1999 as a school for street children and children at risk in the Helderberg Basin, who for some social/traumatic event or circumstances, fell out of the formal education system or have never been part of it. No matter what the child’s circumstance, Tereo’s doors are open; ready to give these children a chance to get the education each right has a right to and ensure learners can rise above their circumstances.
Tereo Project School transforms the lives of impoverished children — by breaking the cycle of poverty and building self-sufficient, contributing members of society. A robust Gr 1 - 7 education which is complemented by professional health care, nutritious meals, psychosocial counselling, family assistance and support and community outreach initiatives is key to our programme. We focus on the whole child and their support structures.
The word Tereo comes from the Hebrew and Greek word meaning to take care of, to attend to carefully and to guard. Our role at Tereo is to ensure education in a place of safety where vulnerable children can grow and flourish.
Our Mission
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty through Education
Tereo Project has one goal – to break the cycle of poverty through education.
Poverty touches every aspect of a child’s life. The child born into poverty almost always remains trapped there unless significant interventions occur. Left unaided, impoverished children face a lifetime of physical and psychological trauma—illiteracy, malnutrition, disease, low self-esteem and lack of opportunity. These are among the root causes of poverty that Tereo Project overcomes.
Tereo Project holistic programme is designed to transform the lives of impoverished children. Our school embeds strong character development ethics throughout our programme which are complemented by professional health care, nutritious meals, psychosocial counselling, family assistance and support and community outreach initiatives. We focus on the whole child.
Secondary Objectives
- Creating a formal school environment using the CAPS curriculum.
- Development of partnerships with community organisations that can address medical, legal, psychological, educational and physical needs of the children.
- Provide After Care and Homework assistance for children at risk
- Provide counselling and support for leaners experiencing physical and sexual abuse
- In conjunction with our Child Welfare officer, social worker and the South African Child Protection Legislation, seek alternatives, support and where necessary, place learners in places of safety.
- Instil Godly values in our learners
Our Resumé
LOCATION
Victoria Road | Somerset West | Cape Town | South Africa | 7130
Phone: +27 21 851 4005 | Email: info@tereo.org
KEY STATISTICS *
- Opened: 1999
- Annual budget: ZAR 4 500 000
- Students: 95
- Grades: 1 – 6 (Gr 7 from 2024)
- Year-to-year retention: 93%
- Staff: 16
- School year: Mid-January to early December
- School days: 200
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- Computer Learning Centre (Stimuzone and Greenshoots)
- Cultural activities: Hip Hop dance, ballet, pottery, drama, art, Lego Play
- Sports: Cross Country (due to limited space)
- Home industries: Needlework and Cookery
- Eisteddfods
SERVICES ON SITE
- Nutritious breakfast, lunch and up to two snacks are provided per day
- On-site nursing and health care support
- On-site counsellors and social welfare
- On-site transport to and from home and extracurricular activities
- Individual school development curriculum
- Placement and support into mainstream primary and high school
- Placement and support for skills schools and special needs school
SUPPORT PROGRAMS
- Psychosocial counselling and play therapy
- Family assistance and support
- Community outreach initiatives
- Parent workshops to empower, educate and enrich parents
* Statistics updated in 2022.
What it means to be a Street Child
Helping vulnerable children thrive.
The majority of Tereo’s children come from dysfunctional families, where extreme poverty is prevalent with some sleeping on the street, many children are neglected, abused and often at risk of even more abuse and violence. We see children that arrive at school having been beaten, raped or molested themselves or have witnessed this and then still have to study, this often on an empty stomach with no expectation to receive any food on returning home.
There are the children who have physical or mental challenges as a result of their mothers partaking of drugs or excessive alcohol whilst pregnant. This includes Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and other behavioural and concentration problems that can never be cured and, in some instances, may not be treated due to their financial circumstances. HIV is also prevalent with a number of learners.
As a result of their circumstances many fall out of or have never been part of the schooling system. Tereo is the only safety net of this kind for these children, in the area.
The Tereo Project School aims to empower the children to rise above their circumstances and focus on high self-esteem. Through this initiative we aim to break the cycle of poverty caused by little or no education and give them an alternative to resorting to crime or prostitution which so many are forced to do so due to circumstances.
The majority of Tereo’s children come from dysfunctional families, where extreme poverty is prevalent with some sleeping on the street, many children are neglected, abused and often at risk of even more abuse and violence. We see children that arrive at school having been beaten, raped or molested themselves or have witnessed this and then still have to study, this often on an empty stomach with no expectation to receive any food on returning home.
There are the children who have physical or mental challenges as a result of their mothers partaking of drugs or excessive alcohol whilst pregnant. This includes Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and other behavioural and concentration problems that can never be cured and, in some instances, may not be treated due to their financial circumstances. HIV is also prevalent with a number of learners.
As a result of their circumstances many fall out of or have never been part of the schooling system. Tereo is the only safety net of this kind for these children, in the area.
The Tereo Project School aims to empower the children to rise above their circumstances and focus on high self-esteem. Through this initiative we aim to break the cycle of poverty caused by little or no education and give them an alternative to resorting to crime or prostitution which so many are forced to do so due to circumstances.
Key documents
Annual Report 2023
- 2023 Highlights.....
- Education Report.....
- Extra Mural Report ....
- Life Skills Report....
- Financial Report....
- Strategic Goals 2024
Annual Report 2021
- Context in which Tereo School Operates .....
- Our Mandate......
- Investments in Communities ....
- Final Board Meeting 30 October 2021....
Privacy Policy
- Scope .....
- Information Collection......
- Children under the age of 13 ....
- Information Sharing....
NPO Certificate
- Certificate of Registration of NONPROFIT ORGANISATION.....
- Registration number: 010-517 NPO
