Health Project

by Maria

For many in South African townships healthcare can not often be a priority, or isn't even a possibility. This is why we have put together a health program for the students in the Diepsloot Combined School.

Daniela examines a child

All of us who take part in the program are volunteers, while some of us have experience in healthcare and nursing. It doesn't matter if you are an accountant or a doctor, your help is needed and appreciated!

We perform a general examination on the children, and check their eyesight as well as teeth. Following the examination and after determining which of the children need to see a doctor or an optician, we try to make sure all those children in the need of attention are given the proper care.

Maria testing eyesight

Participating in the health project is at the same time incredibly rewarding and extremely tough. Some of the children have serious health issues while others are completely well, but all of their spirits are lifted by the attention and interest given to them, and they are all happy to feel that someone cares.

Monica checking a little student's teeth

If you would like to fund the work of the EDU FUN Health Project, or volunteer your time by physically helping, please contact Maria at maria.junebrink.live.se

Mending Group

By Maria

During the usual EDU FUN Monday English lessons at Diepsloot Combined School it is easy to see that many of the children are wearing very used and ragged school uniforms, buttons are missing, there are tears in the little boys' shirts, pant-legs are frayed, and little skirts have gaping holes in them. This is why we thought of starting a mending group.

Currently, the group consists mainly of Swedish expatriates who are extremely committed to bettering the life of the children we teach by giving these little learners uniforms to be proud of, but anyone who would like to help is welcome! The school principal supports this endeavor fully and it is lovely to see children proud of their uniforms rather than embarrassed by missing buttons, or tears in not so nice places.

It really does feel wonderful to be able to help in a very tangible way!

If you would like to fund the work of the EDU FUN mending group, or volunteer your time by physically helping please contact Maria at maria.junebrink@live.se

Edu Fun Zoo Trip

by Sarah

The outing to the Johannesburg Zoo on 14th September 2009 was a day that really reflected the spirit of fun and excitement in everything we do.

The large turnout of volunteers meant that the 165 grade 3 learners from the Diepsloot Combined School could be split up into small groups of about six children each, making the whole experience enjoyable and educational for everyone.

My group took charge of the zoo map and found their way to the snakes which they were really keen to see. We managed to find the "big five" which we had learnt about earlier in the year and were entertained by the meercats and monkeys. The children were amazed to see how tall the giraffes are and the size of the elephants when you are close up to them.

After a good walk around the zoo, the children enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch complete with a volunteer-baked cupcake, and those who still had some energy left played on the playground until it was time to return to school on the buses.

I think all of the volunteers saw the zoo and the animals through fresh eyes and appreciated how special it was to share the experience with the children.

If you would like to volunteer your time for similar outings, the English teaching we do every Monday and Tuesday in the Diepsloot Combined School in Northern Johannesburg, or would like to donate funds or goods to help us in our endeavors to make a difference in the lives of these students, please contact

Avril at avrildsa@mweb.co.za or

Sarah at j.bradfield@mweb.co.za

We are an official South African NPO, registered under number 069-772-NPO

Thank you!

What is Edu-Fun?

The Edu-Fun programme was created in 2003 at the request of Diepsloot Combined School principal Veronica Kgabo to teach English to all Grade 3 and some Grade 4 students in a fun and interesting way. To awaken the students' curiosity towards the outside world as well as their imagination.

The aim of the program is to make the underprivileged Foundation Phase students  - students in Grades 1, 2 and 3 - in the government-run Diepsloot Combined School in Diepsloot, northern Johannesburg, South Africa, confident in the English language. Poor knowledge of English will otherwise keep the students from realizing their full potential later in life.

Here is what you can do to help if you reside in Johannesburg, South Africa:

• We are in constant need of volunteers to help teach English every Monday for a few hours. Not being a native speaker is no obstacle to helping out the class' head teacher. 
• We are always on the lookout for used books that can be incorporated in the school library, as well as clothes, shoes, uniforms and food. These items will be divided amongst the needy students and their families.
• You can share your expertise in such fields as fundraising, accounting, computers, nursing, webdesing, etc.

Here is what you can do from outside of South Africa:

• You can donate funds to our worthwhile endeavors, such as the purchase of new Readers, a graduation for the students, health checks, materials for mending torn uniforms, school supplies, etc. 

For more information contact Avril at avrildsa@mweb.co.za or Sarah at j.bradfield@mweb.co.za

Volunteer! Come join a great group of people, expats and locals! 

Donate goods or funds! 

Help us educate the children of Diepsloot!