SAEP's work at pre-school, primary and high school level is all focused in Philippi, one of the largest and poorest townships in Cape Town. There are high levels of unemployment, poverty, crime, substance abuse and other social ills related to poverty. We are passionately committed to building equality and see education as a key to addressing these social ills.

Schools in Philippi are overcrowded, achieving low pass rates and are under-resourced with few extra-curricular activities available to learners. According to the last national census the average household income is R3,200 or less, with most residents holding low-income jobs or unemployed and living on social grants. Each person who is employed supports many who are not. Successful graduates often move away from the area, leaving young people with few positive role models to help them improve their lives. Lack of information, networks, and opportunities trap many in continued poverty and under-productivity.

In SAEP’s 29 years of service to the children and young people in the community of Philippi we have gained a clear understanding of the local context and developed strong relationships with community members and other service organisation