Education In South Africa

Providing quality education is one of South Africa's biggest challenges, rating among the worst in the world.  South African learners consistently perform at the lowest possible levels in all international tests, demonstrating the extent of the problem.  Less than 10% of all South African youth access tertiary education, which is especially concerning given the high levels of inequality in our educational system.  Statistics for the disadvantaged schools are even poorer than national data suggests.

Why Educate A Girl?

Women are the primary educators of our society.  If you educate a girl, you will one day have an educated mother.  The implications of educating a girl are far reaching and include lower rates of HIV/AIDS infection, teenage pregnancy, maternal and fetal mortality rates and illiteracy - to name only a few.  

The education of girls has the single highest return on all development investments, yielding both private and social benefits.  An education provides girls with the opportunity to empower themselves and is the key to fighting poverty, discrimination and inequality.

What They Get

Each Rockstar Girl receives a full academic bursary to attend a top primary and high school.  These bursaries are long term, holistic commitments.  We walk this journey of education with the girls, every step of the way. 

What We Have Done So Far

Since opening our doors in September 2009, The Rockstar Foundation has already changed the lives of two young girls by awarding them with full academic bursaries to attend two of the top schools in South Africa. 

What We Need

We need your help to reach more girls like Okuhle and Mariana, who have big dreams of a brighter future.   

Our Mission

We Aim To:
  • Recruit emotionally resilient and academically able girls from disadvantaged circumstances, who have a strong drive to learn
  • Provide each Rockstar Girl with the best possible educational opportunities available
  • Provide a support structure to ensure each Rockstar Girl’s smooth transition into a new, and very often challenging, environment
  • Build a solid and long-term relationship with each Rockstar Girl and her family, as well as with our partners, donors and other stakeholders involved

Why Are We Here?

Meeting Mariana

Mariana De Sousa was a bright young girl who desperately wanted to attend a school that could provide her with a good education.   She was accepted by the prestigious Rustenburg Junior School for Girls in Cape Town in 2009.  Attending one of the best schools in the country came with a price tag, and when Adriaan Pienaar got wind of Mariana's desire to study at Rustenburg, he offfered to pay her school fees.

More Girls like her?

It soon became evident to Adii that Mariana was only one of many disadvantaged girls whom possessed loads of potential - but left unable to progress in an overcrowded and struggling state school system. 

The Idea That Became A Foundation

Young Mariana sparked an idea.  The idea lead to a conversation and the conversation became a Foundation.  

The Rockstar Foundation opened its doors on 1 September 2009 with Mariana De Sousa being the first official Rockstar Girl.