Overview
Eland School is a community-centred educational initiative located in the Khomani San community of the Kalahari, South Africa. It was established to provide culturally sensitive education that blends the national Foundation Phase curriculum with traditional ‡Khomani San language, values, and knowledge systems, supporting children to excel academically while strengthening cultural identity. The school is open to all learners, with a focus on Indigenous heritage students who have lost aspects of their ancestral language and culture due to historical marginalisation. It aims to create a nurturing learning environment that honours cultural traditions and builds confidence and pride in young learners.
Overview
Eland School is a community-centred educational initiative located in the Khomani San community of the Kalahari, South Africa. It was established to provide culturally sensitive education that blends the national Foundation Phase curriculum with traditional ‡Khomani San language, values, and knowledge systems, supporting children to excel academically while strengthening cultural identity. The school is open to all learners, with a focus on Indigenous heritage students who have lost aspects of their ancestral language and culture due to historical marginalisation. It aims to create a nurturing learning environment that honours cultural traditions and builds confidence and pride in young learners.
Objectives
- Delivering culturally informed education: Integrating the mainstream curriculum with Indigenous linguistic and cultural teaching, including N/uu language classes and heritage activities.
- Preserving culture and language: Revitalising and transmitting traditional knowledge, values, and practices to younger generations to strengthen cultural identity.
- Supporting academic readiness: Equipping learners with strong literacy, numeracy, and life skills to prepare them for transition into secondary schooling and lifelong learning.
- Creating a supportive environment: Fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere where children feel valued, inspired, and confident in their abilities.
10 - Reduced Inequalities
11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
15 - Life on Land
4 - Quality Education
SDGs
CBD Targets
Results/Impact
Since receiving support from Jamma and its partners, the Eland School gained registration with the South African Department of Education in 2023. This milestone has enabled the school to lay a strong foundation in early years education while advancing cultural revitalisation within the Khomani San community.
