Funiwe Secondary School – A Beacon of Hope in Rural South Africa
Transforming lives through education, resilience, and community.
Welcome to Funiwe Secondary School, located in the heart of rural Eastern Cape, South Africa. We are more than just a school—we are a pillar of hope for hundreds of learners who dream of a brighter future.
Our Vision
To educate, nurture, and develop our learners into responsible adults who can contribute positively to the socio-economic development of their communities in particular, and our nation as a whole.
Our Mission
We are committed to delivering high-quality education to all our learners by:
Offering subject streams aligned with current job market demands.
Continuously enhancing our curriculum to reflect the evolving needs of our society.
Promoting and maintaining a strong Culture of Learning and Teaching (COLT) throughout our institution.
Encouraging full engagement from all stakeholders — including parents, learners, educators, non-governmental organizations, and businesses — in the holistic development of our institution.
We aim to nurture the complete development of our learners in the following areas:
Cultural Development: Instilling strong moral values, fostering mutual respect across generations, and celebrating the rich diversity of South African culture.
Physical Development: Expanding sporting opportunities to cater to a wide range of interests and abilities.
Cognitive Development: Encouraging independent, critical, and creative thinking.
Spiritual Development: Supporting the growth of well-rounded, balanced individuals.
Finally, we are dedicated to mobilizing the resources necessary to help us achieve our vision and institutional goals.
01.
Matric Success
We prioritize matric success by equipping students with the skills and resources needed to excel academically.
01.
Matric Success
We prioritize matric success by equipping students with the skills and resources needed to excel academically.
02.
Community Engagement
Our programs foster strong community ties, encouraging parental involvement and local partnerships to uplift our youth.
03.
Hope and Future
Funiwe nurtures a sense of hope, guiding students to envision and work towards a brighter future.
About Funiwe Secondary School
Funiwe Secondary School is located in the Quru Administrative Area near East London, in the small farm community of Bangilizwe (Khambashe). We serve 600 learners, most from underprivileged backgrounds, many walking long distances to attend school. Despite limited resources, our dedicated staff of 17 educators and 1 administrator create an environment where excellence is not only possible—it’s expected.
Our values: Excellence, Kindness, Responsibility, Love, Discipline, Respect, Commitment, and Community Building.
“It takes a village to raise a child—and Funiwe is our village.”
Our Vision
To be a center of excellence that nurtures responsible, disciplined, and empowered individuals who contribute positively to society.
Our Mission
At Funiwe Secondary School, we are committed to:
- Providing Quality Education – Ensuring every learner receives a strong academic foundation through dedicated teaching and structured support.
- Fostering a Culture of Discipline & Responsibility – Instilling values of respect, accountability, and perseverance in all learners.
- Empowering Learners Beyond the Classroom – Equipping students with leadership skills, life skills, and career guidance to prepare them for a successful future.
- Building a Supportive Learning Environment – Creating a safe, inclusive, and motivating space where every learner is encouraged to reach their full potential.
- Engaging with the Community – Strengthening partnerships with parents, alumni, and stakeholders to uplift both the school and the surrounding community.
Together, we inspire, educate, and transform lives.
A Track Record of Excellence
Against all odds, our learners shine.
Funiwe has consistently achieved over 90% Matric pass rate for six consecutive years. In 2024, we made history as the first rural school in Eastern Cape to achieve 100% Matric pass rate in 30 years of democracy.
Pass Rates Over the Years:
2024 results includes:
Year | Pass Rate |
2024 | 100% |
2023 | 94.1% |
2022 | 91.2% |
2021 | 92.1% |
2020 | 95.3% |
2019 | 97.3% |
Academic Achievements | Pass Rate |
Bachelor passes | 75% |
Diploma passes | 22% |
Certificate passes | 3% |
“Success at Funiwe is not a miracle—it’s a result of discipline, hard work, and love.”
Matric Success
Behind Every Achievement is a Strategy
We don’t wait for success to happen—we prepare for it. Our Grade 12 learners follow a structured year-long program including:
- Morning, afternoon & weekend classes
- Team-building camps
- Parent involvement and mentorship
- Career guidance and prize-giving ceremonies
- Dedicated Matric Incubation Revision Camps
- Individualized support and emotional encouragement
Our teachers don’t just teach—they parent, guide, and lead by example.
2024 results includes
A Track Record of Excellence
Against all odds, our learners shine.
Academic Support
Our academic support programs provide tutoring and mentoring, ensuring students achieve their full potential in every subject.
Life Skills Workshops
We conduct life skills workshops to equip students with essential skills such as leadership, communication, and financial literacy.
Community Outreach
Through community outreach initiatives, we engage with families and local organizations to create a supportive network for our students.
The Odds We Face
Every success hides a struggle.
Despite our achievements, Funiwe Secondary faces significant challenges that impact both academic performance and the safety of our learners and educators.
Limited scholar transport (only 210 of 340 learners covered
Learners travel long and hazardous distances to school, with many deserving students not included in the government’s scholar transport program. Only 210 out of 340 eligible learners currently have access to this service.
Unsafe surroundings due to overgrown forests
The school is surrounded by dense, overgrown forests that pose serious safety and security risks, as criminals can easily hide within the thick vegetation, threatening both learners and teachers.
No Computer lab
The school lacks a computer laboratory and smart classrooms. Despite government policies promoting digital education, rural learners do not have the same access to technology as their urban peers.
No accommodation for learners attending camps
Sleeping facilities for learners, especially those traveling long distances and attending our annual matric incubation revision camps.
Shortage of basic learning tools like calculators
Learners are unable to access scientific calculators during exams, affecting their performance in subjects like Mathematics and Physical Sciences.
Unused Agricultural land
Agricultural land remains unused due to a lack of resources for development and maintenance.
No science or computer lab
An outdated and under-equipped science lab, limiting hands-on learning opportunities.
No school library
No proper library, limiting access to books and research materials.
No school security or cleaning staff
The school lacks security personnel and cleaners.
Take Action Today!
Your support can change lives. Join us in empowering youth through education and community involvement.
Our Vision for the Future
Dreaming bigger. Planning smarter. Building together.
We believe in growing beyond our obstacles. Our future goals include:
“We’re not just building a school. We’re building futures.”
A fully equipped science laboratory
When Thabo struggled in school, he felt lost and defeated. With our academic support, he discovered his love for learning and achieved high marks, securing a scholarship for further education.
A digital computer lab
Naledi faced numerous barriers at home that impacted her studies. Through life skills workshops, she gained confidence and resilience, ultimately becoming a student leader and role model.
Get Involved
Together, we can uplift a community.
To bring this vision to life, we need the support and partnership of government agencies, private businesses, alumni, and community stakeholders. We invite:
Business Leaders & Companies to sponsor infrastructure projects, security measures, and essential school supplies.
Alumni & Professionals to mentor students, donate resources, and provide career guidance.
Government & NGOs to assist with staffing, provide bursaries for students, and help fund development projects.
Community Members & Parents to actively engage in school programs and initiatives, helping create a thriving learning environment.
By working together, we can transform Funiwe Secondary School into a beacon of success, shaping confident, disciplined, and future-ready learners.
Join Our Mission
Support Funiwe Secondary School by donating towards:
Educational resources | Infrastructure development | Matric support programs | Daily operational needs like cleaning, safety & transport
get in touch
Do not hesitate to reach out. Just fill in the contact form here and we’ll be sure to reply as fast as possible.
Address
Funiwe Secondary School, Bangilizwe, Khambashe, Quru Area, Eastern Cape, 5600
Message us
Phone: +27 83 318 5639
Email: [email protected]