Magic Classrooms

Following three years of research into the state of education at poor rural and urban schools in South Africa, the Nelson Mandela Institute introduced the Magic Classrooms project in 2008 to address problems that had been identified.

Research conducted by the Institute revealed a pattern of underachievement in poor rural and urban schools.

Learner Leadership

The main aim of the learner and teacher development programme is to foster greater enthusiasm for learning and a greater belief in the potential of each child and the ability of teachers to help them flourish.

Ilima Lokufunda

Ilima is an isiXhosa word referring to the tradition where community members come together to plough each other’s fields. Ilima Lokufunda was founded by the communities of the Mqanduli region in the Eastern Cape, in 2008 and seeks to introduce ilima values to South Africa’s modern education system.

University of Fort Hare Grounding Programme

The University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape, which boasts Nelson Mandela himself among its alumni, is committed to maximising the potential of the 120 students in its Grounding Programme and ensuring a bright future for its graduates.

The establishment of the Nelson Mandela Institute for Education and Rural Development is the realisation of a long dream for me. Together with the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape, my Foundation has established this Institute at my alma mater, the University of Fort Hare. It will carry my name and embody my commitment to a world where all children are afforded the opportunity to fulfil their dreams.
Nelson Mandela, 2006

Attentive learners in a school in the Eastern Cape– Gary Horlor