New Star School opens in Durban

The Star School project was one of the first programmes implemented by Thanda’s JAC-Initiative to promote an AIDS-free lifestyle. Star School promotes the mantra "AIDS-free, that's me" and has been integrated into the curricula of high schools in KwaZulu-Natal.

Although the original strategy was to incorporate the vision of Star School into 40 South African schools, the project’s success has seen its realisation in 42 local schools and one Namibian school to date. Of these 42 schools, 36 fall within the Umkhanyakude district and the remaining 6 in the Zululand district. Saturday 16 February 2008 saw the launch of the first of eight Star Schools to open in the Durban area, at Vukuzakhe High School.

The project was co-sponsored by Volvo South Africa and Volvo Sweden who contributed approximately R5-million to the project. Mr. Anders Lindblad, area director for Volvo Africa commented on their involvement, “Volvo has invested in this project because they believe in quality of life, and Star School is about quality of life for young people.” Star School promotes mutual respect between young men and women and teaches learners to go for their dreams.

Sports development and mentorship is one of the ways in which Star School has endeavoured to improve the quality of life for young students in the KwaZulu-Natal area. Thanda Private Game Reserve recently hosted a friendly match between the women’s football team LdB FC and South African Banyana Banyana. The match officialised the partnership between LdB FC and the Star School project.

According to Marten Hedlund, CEO of LdB FC, “Playing the game against the South African national team, Banyana Banyana, we would like to start a long-term co-operation with the South African Football Association (SAPA).”

LdB FC has posted coaching staff in the KwaZulu-Natal region as part of a mentorship programme for local schools, in an attempt to boost the profile of women’s sport in the area. Star School and LdB FC have entered into an exchange programme for players and coaches, and some lucky locals will have the opportunity to perform in the Swedish league.

For further information visit Thanda.com / Starschool.co.za.