AFRICABEYONDACADEMY
A holistic development of the young people of Africa. Our vision is an Africa that is developed in knowledge, in industry and in identity.
ACADEMIC · PHYSICAL · SOCIAL · SPIRITUAL
Background andHistory
Youth unemployment in South Africa is real, yet the economy is short of skills. Africa Beyond Academy is our response: an institution focused on skills development, African identity, moral regeneration and the responsible use of the Earth's resources.
A skills gap
We invest heavily in education from foundation phase to tertiary, yet young people still leave school without practical skills.
Societal challenges
Alcohol and drug abuse, crime and violence, teen pregnancy and hopelessness press on our youth.
A crisis of identity
The African identity, with its rich and deep culture, is fast giving way to other ways of living.
An environmental crisis
We are depleting the resources of our continent and our planet that future generations will need.
How we developThe whole person
Pillar oneAcademic
Our young people face complex situations and challenges. They must be taught to value knowledge, systematic thinking, problem solving and academic learning.
Pillar twoPhysical & Vocational
Physical development is as important as academic development. We train young people to use their hands usefully, a dimension of education that is often neglected.
Pillar threeSocial
Soft skills, strong and resilient character, and a personal identity rooted in where you come from. It is also about our relationship with the planet: learning to love and learn from nature.
Pillar fourSpiritual
The school operates on the philosophies of Christian Education. Each child should develop an authentic relationship with Christ and be useful not only for this world but also for the world to come.
What makes ourSchool different
Christian Education
Every child is encouraged to grow an authentic, real relationship with Christ.
Holistic Development
Mental, spiritual and physical development of each child, together.
Sustainable Living
A small carbon footprint, and learners taught to live in a sustained manner.
African Ideals
An Afrocentric curriculum. Our young people should be proud of their roots and origins.
Practical, real-time learning
Teaching in the fields and outdoors, so learners hear, experience and practise what they learn.
Technology Driven
A remote location, with technology fully embraced in learning and everyday life.
Relevant to societal challenges
Learners empowered and skilled to respond to the challenges in their communities.
Innovation and discovery
Learners challenged to think beyond the normal and find new paths.
Open to every young person
Ages 12 to 18
Full-time high-school learners offered all mainstream subjects plus practical courses.
High-school early leavers
Practical skills for learners who left school early, so they can start their own businesses.
Post high-school
A credible post-matric qualification with practical skills to enter the economy.
An all-inclusive school
Built on Christian principles, and open to anyone, Christian or not.
Vocations
Every vocation is structured to deliver a real project. Campers learn a trade while restoring the place that hosts them.
OurVocational Camps
Each year we partner with an Adventist institution facing infrastructure challenges. Young people from across South Africa spend two weeks learning trades, restoring the campus and growing in faith.
Bar height shows campers per camp.
Bethel Rising
Bethel College in Butterworth, Eastern Cape, was founded in 1917 and is the second-oldest Adventist institution in the country. From 19 December 2023 to 3 January 2024, a youth-led camp set out to restore it, working with Bethel College, the Bethel Alumni Association and God and Growth Ministry.
Drag to compareBefore and After
From theVocational Reports
Hands at work
Why theVhembe Region?
Once the campus at Lurere Mountain, Mukovha-wa-Bale is established, we aim to replicate the ABA model throughout Southern Africa.
Africa's Eden
The most bio-diverse region in South Africa, from tropical forest to savannah, far from the distractions of urban life.
The desire of the people
Adventists in the region have a deep desire to have the school situated in this area.
Adventist teachers
A high concentration of Adventist teachers, including recently retired teachers still able to serve.
Affordable land and lower costs
Communal land, and salaries, food and maintenance that cost less than in urban regions.
Agriculture and learning excellence
Prime soil and climate, and a district known for decades of top matric results.
How the school funds its operations
Affordable school fees
No learner will be excluded because of their financial situation.
Volunteer programme
Volunteers support non-teaching activities at the school.
Income-generating projects
Fully-fledged operations working toward self-sustenance:
Grants and sponsorship
From institutions that will not interfere with the school's operations and objectives.
The people behindABA
Maria Tshivhase
Retired primary school teacher and founder staff member of Ndikandafhi Primary School. She served alongside Pastor Tshivhase for over 40 years in Vhembe, Mopani and Gauteng.
Nolubabalo Dondolo
25 years in nursing, leading the fight against TB, HIV and Covid-19 in the Ixopo area. From Kimberley, she advocates for children's rights.
Takalani Samuel Tshivhase
IT professional with over 19 years as software developer, project manager and leader. Founding member of African Exodus and the Adventist Athletics Club.
Pr Zibusiso Mhlophe
A Solusi University graduate from Germiston, musician and pianist. Based full-time in Mukovha Village since May 2022.
Olga Mulalo Nemavunde
The backbone of ABA operations. A trained history teacher from Mukula Village, in mission work since the age of 14.
Gundo Madavha & team
Camp Director Gundo Madavha with assistant directors Tebatso Ndlovu and Rotshidzwa Mandida led the Bethel Rising organising team.
Who owns ABA?
The entity is headed by a board of directors, and all operations, management and decisions are bound by the school's constitution, for full transparency and accountability.
- NPO number
- C253-256
- CIPC Reg.
- 2020/847726/08
Join the work
We pray this plan will mobilise people with a like-minded vision. Volunteer as an instructor, sponsor a camp or send a young person to the next one.
