The 2 Cape Town Schools That Rallied to Keep Teachers and Open Doors

Photo Credit: Supplied by Tamryn Gwenossis (Prime)

Teachers at two Cape Town schools have proven that no barrier, whether a lack of resources or physical obstacles, will stand in the way of unlocking their students’ talents and ensuring every child truly belongs.

Western Cape, South Africa (28 September 2026) – Teachers do so much more than teach. They nurture talent, build belonging and help young people discover what they are capable of achieving. Two inspiring stories from Cape Town schools recently reminded us of this everyday superpower.

At Masiphumelele High, a no-fee Quintile 3 school in Cape Town’s Southern Peninsula where classrooms see 37 learners per teacher, the community saw a critical need and stepped up.

Without a government-funded post available for their Life Orientation teacher, the school turned to GetGo Fund: a community-driven education crowdfunding platform designed to help families and schools raise funds safely and transparently.

Launching a campaign in March to raise R90,000 for his salary, the school rallied support alongside MasiSports and generous local contributors. And thanks to a community that refused to let their learners miss out, they hit their target in full!

Through the chess club (photographed above), the LO teacher gives learners a space to discover and develop their abilities. As a result, Masi’s young players have been achieving at provincial level, competing against pupils whose schools have access to far greater resources.

Their achievements offer recognition of their skill and dedication, and an opportunity to see themselves as capable competitors. The money raised towards the teacher’s salary helps sustain the teaching and mentorship that support those opportunities.

“For a no-fee school, funding an additional teacher requires finding support without income from school fees,” says Donna Shefer, CEO of GetGo Fund.

“A contribution towards a salary can help a school sustain teaching and mentorship. It also needs a clear plan for how long that contribution will last and what further support is required.”

At another school, Capella House, teachers attended a GetGo fundraising workshop in August, determined to complete a campaign for wider pathways. Their goal was to fund a moveable access ramp and a fully accessible bathroom upgrade.

Students at Capella House celebrate the campaign being funded.

By the end of the month, generous supporters helped them hit their R38,000 target!

For the school, it means rolling out long-awaited improvements. For teachers, it means no longer having to manually carry heavy wooden platforms from room to room so their wheelchair-using students can enter their classrooms.

Most importantly, it changes everyday life for a young learner who is also part of the school’s social scene as the resident DJ at Friday Jam sessions. A planned ramp will provide access to the stage, creating more choice in how they participate and shine alongside their peers.

By taking action to make their school more accessible, Capella House teachers have demonstrated what genuine care looks like, ensuring every child is able to join classmates and share their interests as an important part of the schooling experience.

“An accessible route into a classroom should be part of a learner’s ordinary school day,” says Shefer.

“Teachers are helping communities understand these needs and respond. Sustained public investment remains essential, and community contributions carry a responsibility to show where the money goes and what it achieves.”

The two school communities have raised a combined R128,000 towards a teaching post and wheelchair access. Behind the fundraising are teachers working to give learners opportunities to develop their talents and take part in school life, even when resources or the physical environment make that difficult.

At Masiphumelele High School, a Life Orientation teacher is able to continue helping young chess players compete at provincial level. At nearby Capella House School, teachers are making it possible for a learner who uses a wheelchair to move around the school.

As October’s Teacher Appreciation Month and World Teachers’ Day on 5 October approach, these Southern Peninsula stories draw attention to the care that often goes unseen in a teacher’s working day. Noticing a child’s potential, making time for mentorship and finding a way around an obstacle can all influence whether a learner feels valued and able to succeed.