Ethan Phillipson is taking strides to combat the devastating impact of overcrowded classrooms in South Africa. His charity run at the Cambridge Half Marathon will directly support Someleze Educare Centre in Cape Town, a preschool where 72 young children are currently hampered by a single classroom and a lack of basic facilities.
Cambridge, England (20 February 2025) – Picture a single average-sized classroom with about 50-60 young pupils all cramped together in the small space. Some struggle to find room for their books on desks designed for one or, at most, two students, while others sit on the floor, eagerly trying to listen to the teacher delivering a lesson in the front of the classroom.
Overcrowded classrooms remain a devastating issue in our country, particularly across various townships and rural communities.
Doing his part to try to bring some much-needed relief towards addressing this persistent problem is a determined Ethan Phillipson, who will be running the Cambridge Half Marathon on Sunday, 9 March, to help raise money for Breadline Africa: a charity dedicated to providing safe education spaces for the young children of South Africa.
For over 30 years, Breadline Africa has transformed early learning environments across under-resourced communities in South Africa. By repurposing shipping containers and constructing brick classrooms, libraries, and toilet facilities, they create spaces where children can access quality early childhood education—giving them the best possible start in life.
“For this fundraiser, I’ve chosen to support Someleze Educare Centre in Monwabisi Park, Cape Town, a preschool that provides early learning in isiXhosa and English to 72 children aged 0–5,” says Ethan.
The school currently faces major challenges, including no kitchen to prepare meals, just two toilets and overcrowding, with only one small brick classroom available for all 72 children.
“But with your donations, we can provide the help that Someleze needs, such as building a new classroom to ensure every child has a proper learning space; adding more toilets to improve hygiene and safety; and constructing a dedicated kitchen,” Ethan adds.
For Ethan, access to early education shouldn’t be a privilege—it should be a right.
To support his great cause, visit the Someleze Educare Centre Project page. Supporters based abroad can donate to Ethan’s JustGiving funding page.
Sources: Breadline Africa | JustGiving
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