Reflecting on an Exceptional Year for the 21st Century Foundation

2024 has been a year of extraordinary strides for the 21^st Century Foundation. As we continue our journey to empower underserved schools and communities, our recent participation in the rAge 2024 Expo marked another proud milestone in our mission to uplift and inspire.

On 29 November 2024, a group of 100 Grade 9 learners and educators from Fons Luminis Secondary School—alongside our dedicated partner, Bright Star Academy—embarked on an unforgettable experience at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. This opportunity was graciously extended to us by our PR partner, The Lime Envelope, on behalf of rAge, South Africa’s leading gaming and technology expo. It was more than just an outing; it was an eye-opening immersion into the cutting-edge world of gaming, IT, and digital innovation.

And then, just when you thought you’d seen it all, the Academy of Sound Engineering pulled a move straight out of Wonderland—or maybe the Matrix by bringing their own DJ Set, with a stage to complete it? Picture this: one of the Fons educators hopped behind a DJ set, spinning tracks like they’d been moonlighting at underground clubs. Not to be outdone, a learner stepped up to sing, dance, and perform alongside their peers, proving that equations and algebraic expressions are not the only things they’ve mastered.

This wasn’t just a classroom come to life—it was a light bulb moment for the learners, where theory met practice in the most exhilarating way. Everything they’d been learning about Technology, Science, and Maths suddenly had a beat, rhythm, and a whole lot of personality. It was a fusion of innovation, creativity, and fun—turns out STEM can groove too!

The learners were amazed to discover that the concepts they’d been grappling with all year could exist in this exciting new world of gaming, music, tech, and science. Who knew learning could look like this? Who knew what range of career streams exist out there? One moment you’re solving equations, and the next, you’re jamming to the beats of a DJ spinning from an engineering set-up. A world where learning and fun collide? Yes, it exists—and it’s pure magic.

This inspiring visit to rAge was just one highlight in a year defined by collaboration, transformation, and progress for the Foundation. From the success of the “Education Uplifting Ikasi” Career and Entrepreneurship Expo earlier this year to the continuation of our Maths and Science tutoring programme, we’ve been driven by one purpose: breaking barriers and building futures.

The learners who attended rAge were selected from the Foundation’s Grade 9 Maths and Science programme, a key initiative designed to close educational gaps and ignite interest in critical subjects. This programme, bolstered by the incredible support of Bright Star Academy and other partners, has not only improved academic performance but also empowered learners with confidence and curiosity.

Our journey would not be possible without the unwavering support of our partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to The Lime Envelope for facilitating this unique opportunity with rAge. Events like rAge highlight the significance of collaboration in opening doors to worlds learners may not otherwise access.

As the year comes to a close, we are reminded of our mission to not only uplift schools but also transform them into self-sustaining centres of excellence. The partnership with Fons Luminis Secondary School is more than a project; it’s a commitment to unlocking potential and creating lasting change for learners and their communities.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to rAge for their generosity and to all our partners who have walked this journey with us. Together, we are proving that the limits of our learners’ futures are bound only by the breadth of their dreams—and the opportunities we create to bring those dreams to life.

Let’s continue building brighter futures, together!

For more information on our initiatives or to partner with us in 2025, visit our website: https://www.21century.co.za/21st-century-foundation-2/