In 2003, two Sinethemba High School graduates and SAEP high school participants, Bulelani Futshane and Luzuko Hina, asked SAEP to provide a "bridging year" in which they might improve their English, develop computer skills, and explore career alternatives. In return, they offered to do community service. They had both recently won gold medals in the national debating championship; therefore, they decided to serve by coaching debating at Sinethemba High and establishing a Township Debating League. Thus began SAEP's Bridging Year Programme. Since 2003, the programme has evolved into a diverse and intensive post-matric "bridging" year with an academic focus that prepares Interns to rewrite their matriculation exams. The majority of participants have successfully improved their marks.

In 2003, the programme's founding year, there were five Interns; in 2004, five; in 2005, ten; in 2006, three; in 2007, six; in 2008, 10; in 2009, 14; in 2010, 12 and in 2011, 11.

Click Here to meet the 2011 Interns

Click Here for updates on our alumni

Objective

To provide promising township high school matriculants the tools they need to adequately prepare for, obtain entrance into and succeed in tertiary institutions, learnerships, or productive employment.

SAEP's Bridging Year Programme is supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF).

To find out about other projects supported by the NLDTF,
visit the National Lotteries Board website.