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Pfunanane Academy began in 1997, when Engela DeVilliers began a small preschool on her farm.  It continued to grow, adding one grade each year and now has 200 students, preschool through grade 7.  Each class is small (between 15 and 26  students), allowing the teachers to give as much attention as possible to each child.  
 
Government schools in South Africa, particularly in the rural areas, often have as many as 80 children to each overworked teacher.  This allows the struggling students to simply "get lost" in the crowd.  Standards are very low, and many students fail.  Teachers are often absent, unable to give one-on-one attention or encouragement to the students, and have very few materials or resources available.  Many students get discouraged and drop out of school; others can't afford the necessary books or uniforms, have to stay home to care for family members, or are too far away to walk to school.  As a result, many children never reach high school, and the cycle of poverty continues.     
 

Pfunanane's goal is to provide quality Christian education, discipleship, and outreach opportunities that allow the students to become leaders and servants in the community.  We receive no government subsidies, and are dependent on donations and the moderate school fees paid by families who can afford it.  Sponsorships are arranged for students who cannot afford school fees, as we believe that God has each student at Pfunanane for a purpose. 
 

Students are involved in coordinating and carrying out the outreaches, which have included things like hospital visits, clothing and food drives, town clean-ups, and visits to other schools.  Children are taught to live the motto "let's help each other" - even when it is just helping another student who is struggling.