When Andrew Koopman from Mitchell’s Plain started a study group with two learners 19 years ago, he never expected to have 365 registered learners from the broader Mitchell’s Plain in one session.
He opened the AKSnapshots Study Group and some of the alumni are working at global companies and as tutors at the Study Group to plough back into the community.
“I started with two learners that needed help with homework, assignments and to study in a safe space. At the study group, we have a holistic approach to teaching and learning as we endeavour to assist, motivate, inspire, guide, groom, mentor and lead our learners to be the best they can be,” says Koopman.
Various means and ways are employed to help learners reach their goals of getting distinctions in all subjects and preparing a well-adjusted learner for all levels of education, whether primary or high school, or tertiary institutions.
“The transition from primary to high school and then to tertiary education is much easier for the learners because of the attendance at the Study Group. Tutors, tablets loaded with the Caps curriculum and past papers, resources like textbooks, internet connectivity online learning and assistance of various apps and WhatsApp groups are used to great success.
“Excursions, open days at tertiary institutions and job shadowing with collaborators expose our learners to the career paths available and help them to make informed decisions about their studies and careers,” he says.
With their assistance, some learners and alumni have all achieved distinctions at the different levels of their schooling careers.
“Our alumni are currently working at global companies. We volunteer and our services at the study group are free of charge to all learners and alumni. We need more room or space to accommodate more learners and this is our biggest challenge. Currently, we have 78 learners cramped in a three-bedroom house and all rooms except the bathroom are filled with learners,” Koopman says.
He is hoping to get permission from the School Governing Body and School Management Team to gain access to the school hall of Searidge Park Primary. If permission is not granted, he and his staff won’t be able to help more learners who need their help, especially with the lack of education during Covid-19 in March 2020 until June 2021.
- For more information contact Andrew Koopman on 081 379 9572 or 078 187 8372.
