In the township of Gugulethu, South Africa, Fezeka Secondary School stands as a beacon of potential. As one of the area’s designated Math and Science schools, it serves over 1,100 students from Grades 8 to 12, and while the challenges are many, the opportunities for impact are even greater. Recently, the Science Corps team visited Fezeka to assess the site’s readiness for future fellows and to better understand the school’s evolving needs.

Meet the Leader Behind the Vision

During the visit, the team met with school principal Mr. Hockey, who joined Fezeka just over a year ago after 14 years as a deputy principal. With a strong interest in educational innovation and leadership, Mr. Hockey brings a motivational spirit to his role and is currently completing a Principals Development course at the University of Cape Town. His vision? To transform Fezeka into a thriving hub for STEM learning by pairing traditional instruction with eLearning and flipped classroom tools.

Fezeka Principal Mr. Hockey is leading the charge to strengthen STEM education.

Spaces Ready to Spark Curiosity

The Fezeka site includes a well-equipped science lab, a multipurpose hall, a bustling library, and dynamic classrooms ready to be activated by thoughtful teaching. Despite resource limitations, the school has access to chemicals and lab materials, but lacks the trained staff to fully utilize them. This gap represents a key area where a Science Corps fellow could step in and make an immediate difference.

The library and science labs offer a valuable space for independent learning and collaboration, and are awaiting instructors to bring them to life.

Tutoring That Extends Beyond the School Day

Fezeka collaborates with the Canadian non-profit Education without Borders (EWB) to provide daily tutoring sessions, lunch, and enrichment activities like spelling bees and science intensives. The program reaches over 120 students across Grades 8–11. It offers small-group instruction and access to a growing collection of tech resources, including 25 recently purchased iPads!

Culture and Community

Fezeka has a well-established safety infrastructure, with security guards, cameras, and a gated campus. The school also boasts a celebrated choir with national recognition, supported in part by EWB, which adds to the vibrant school spirit and sense of community.

Classes run from January through December on a quarter system, with Grade 12 learners beginning exams in October. Mr. Hockey recently implemented a Grade 10 promotion policy to ensure students are better prepared for future science coursework, reflecting the school’s commitment to strengthening academic standards in STEM.

A Future Worth Building Together

Fezeka currently lacks qualified teachers to handle advanced Physics lab work and senior-level science instruction. A Science Corps fellow could:

• Co-teach across all grade levels
• Help implement lab-based lessons
• Provide targeted tutoring
• Support EwB programming
• Contribute to the school’s growing interest in integrative tech-driven education

Fezeka Secondary School is a site full of potential, where strong leadership, committed partners, and engaged students are ready for transformation. The need for a passionate Science Corps fellow is clear, and the impact one could have here is immeasurable. If you’re inspired by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful STEM education in underserved communities, consider learning more about Science Corps fellowships here, or support our mission and make a donation here.