Noupoort schools soar as Sister Schools Programme delivers results
From left to right: Mr F Jaxa, Subject Adviser for Business Studies; Mr Smouse, Principal of Colesberg Combined School; Mt T Gedezana, Circuit Manager of Umsobomvu Circuit; Mr O Kambi, Deputy Director of HR; Mr F Silengile, District Director; Mr Barendse, Principal of Colesberg Combined School; Ms L Salman, HR official; Ms Hanisi, tutor for Business Studies; Ms Kokwana, tutor for Business Studies; Ms C Matroos, Subject Adviser for Physical Sciences.
Image: Supplied
THE SISTER Schools Programme has been instrumental in keeping young people in school and on a path towards further education in Noupoort. The initiative supports learners, helps remove barriers to learning and enhances learner outcomes.
Implemented across the Pixley ka Seme District, the programme has positioned the district among the most improved nationally. In Noupoort, Noupoort Combined School recorded a 95% matric pass rate and Enoch Mthetho High School achieved a 100% pass rate in 2025.
"The Sister Schools Programme played a decisive role in our learners’ success. By providing meals, transport and learning materials, key barriers such as hunger and access were removed, allowing our learners to attend extra lessons consistently and focus fully on their studies. This support boosted morale and motivation, and directly contributed to Enoch Mthetho High School achieving a 100% matric pass rate," said Michael Kei, principal of Enoch Mthetho High School.
Introduced in 2020, the programme pairs high-performing and underperforming schools, grouping them into clusters where educators and learners share subject expertise, teaching strategies and learning resources. Weekend workshops and peer learning sessions form a central part of the programme.
"This programme has shown what is possible when schools work together and when the private sector comes on board to support education. With the support of Noupoort Wind Farm, all six schools in the Umsobomvu Circuit benefited, resulting in the circuit improving from 79% in 2024 to 90.5% in 2025 — the most improved in the district. We are grateful for this partnership and hope to see the Sister Schools Programme continue to grow and make an even greater impact each year," said Freddy Silengile, Department of Education district director, Pixley ka Seme District.
Noupoort Wind Farm provided transport for learners and staff to attend weekend workshops, meals during sessions, printing of learning materials and stationery packs for each matriculant.
"The matriculants are the children of our community, in whom we have invested since the inception of the wind farm. Our affection is that of a parent towards their children. We also view this investment as a long-term contribution to the community’s future workforce. By supporting learners to meet the requirements for tertiary education, the programme opens pathways to careers across a range of professional fields. These learners will return to Noupoort as qualified professionals, contributing skills and knowledge back into the community," stated Vanessa Fredericks, economic development manager for Noupoort Wind Farm.