“ I am now sure of what I want to do with my life because of SAEP. ”

“ Norton, thank you so much for giving me a chance to taste the goodness of SAEP, a chance to develop myself, a chance to know what I did not know as a township girl and a chance to get off the corners of townships streets. If I didn't know about SAEP, maybe today I would be in the township streets and gaining nothing, but teenage pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. ”

“ Sometimes I sit at home and wonder where would I have been now if it wasn't for you to give me a chance in this programme. Lots of things are happening in the township, bad influences, peer-pressure and temptations. Through this programme I managed to resist all those habits. Even now some elders ask how I do it and I tell them just like it is: SAEP. ”

“ As the governing body of Qhama Educare, we are making a big thanks for all the things you've done for us in our child's school. The fundraising has taken Qhama to the better level now. As to the volunteers - our children have learned a lot from them. We see that there are a lot of changes in the school. Thank you for the container, too. We want to make our office inside of the container. We want to encourage you for your help and kindness. You've put the school of our children in a better level and we are proud. ”

“ Dear Jane, This is a great opportunity to me to write this thanking letter on behalf of Noluthando Educare. The staff thanks you for everything you have done for us. Please carry on to help us, we don't know what we would be without you. God Bless You. ”

“ I have had many days in Hope Scholars and I can teach other people what I have learned and all the things we have done. My teacher asks me, "What have you eaten? Why are you so respectful?" And I say nothing have I eaten. I just joined Hope Scholars. The teacher says that before I was not doing school work like I do now. She says I am also better to others. For this I am glad to be in Hope Scholars. ”

“ I am very grateful for the time I got to spend working in Cape Town at SAEP. Along with meeting wonderful people of all kinds, I was able to participate on the real ground level of making differences in people's lives. Working at SAEP made me realize how much one person can help, with just a little effort and enthusiasm - and what a rewarding human experience that work can be. ”

“ During my studies, I've often spoken of my time in Cape Town and my life-changing experience working with SAEP. I feel very blessed to have found my way to South Africa and especially towards the work of SAEP. ”

“ From its beginnings in 1998 in a single high school in the Cape Flats, SAEP has developed a number of innovative programmes of community development through education in Philippi and surrounding townships... As SAEP relies on a wide base of support, we are happy to confirm that in the experience of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, SAEP is a most worthwhile partner and an organisation of integrity. If you are able to offer assistance of any kind, we are confident you will find the association rewarding. ”

“ SAEP has been supporting us for the last five years by assisting us with fundraising, making proper creche structures, and arranging training for the staff and governing bodies. There has been great improvement in the condition of the creches. The forum knows very well about the need to help other creches; we hope others will give to SAEP so that it can help these others, too. ”

“ Being at the Outward Bound through SAEP's Bridging Year was a very magnificent experience, because I got a chance to get to know myself better and my school mates as well. While I was there I did a lot of soul searching, for instance, what are my strengths and weakness and who am I and what do I want for myself, also where do I want to be in the future… I wouldn’t think twice if I could get another chance to do this again. ”

“ Dear Jane and Norton, Thank you so much for a wonderful one and a half years at SAEP! I started at SAEP thinking I would spend a year giving to others, but I didn’t fully realize how much would be given to me. You (and the rest of the staff) have been amazingly kind and generous. You have allowed me to learn a lot about myself and others and afforded me the opportunity to gain so many valuable skills and insights. You are both fantastic role models and I truly admire you both. You have created an organization that is an adequate reflection of your own kindness, generosity, openness and creativity. ”

“ My summer with the South African Education and Environment Project (SAEP) was probably the most exciting and life changing experience I have ever had. It was a summer filled with personal growth, friendship, passion, and excitement. It was an experience that will never be forgotten. What was most amazing was being able to see the progress that was made by improving the circumstances of the students, teachers, and parents we were working with. My first assignment was at a small pre-school known as Sackhingomso Educare Center. When I arrived it was composed of one small classroom for over 40 kids and another room which was a shared space for both the kitchen and the principal’s office. When I left after 9 weeks with SAEP, they were provided with a brand new kitchen fully stocked with appliances, a new principal’s office, and a brand new classroom. The happiness we brought to the people in these schools was not just new infrastructure but it was the development of relationships. The days I remember most are the days I ate fun snacks with the kids, played a game of basketball, or just had a simple conversation with the principle about what her life was like. My time in Cape Town was again, invaluable, and marks a summer of a number of first time experiences. While there is still more work to be done, I have the fullest confidence that SAEP holds the compassion, motivation, and leadership needed to make a large difference in the lives of young children looking to their futures for success. ”

“ SAEP has taught me to accept and celebrate who I am. ”

“ During my Bridging Year at SAEP, I changed as a person. I gained leadership skills and confidence and I changed from being an introvert to an extrovert. ”

“ Before I joined [the Bridging Year] Programme, I was shy, not talkative and did not know about computers. I did not know which careers to follow or consider. But with SAEP that was all organized and I am now free to say, 'one day I will be an editor of a big newspaper,' since now I am a reporter for West Cape News Agency. ”

“ [SAEP] changed my life in a positive way; my negative attitude toward people has changed. ”

“ Being in the Bridging Year Programme boosted my self esteem, and it made me recount what I want out of life. ”

“ Through my bridging year, I have grown and improved personally and academically. I have decided what I want to become and have met lots of people and learned a lot. I have improved my computer skills and that has helped me adjust easily into the university environment. ”