A larney Cape Town school has been slammed for suggesting that a black pupil would not fit in after a generous couple offered to pay for all 12 years of the underprivileged girl’s fees.
Among concerns expressed in an email to the donors in 2015 was that “friendships at school often result in play dates, which can also become tricky because of the distance in travel, and result in a child feeling isolated and excluded”.
But despite the concerns raised, Rustenburg Girls’ Junior School (RGJS) said the donors could apply for the girl, referred to as Linah, six, from Khayelitsha.
Dick and Paula How from the US approached the prestigious school in Rosebank, saying they wanted to provide all of the girl’s education costs, reports the Cape Times.
“We wish to help one small child to have a chance in the world,” the couple said.
In response, admissions officer and secretary to the headmistress, Gill Cook, said: “Thank you for considering RGJS. We have had pupils who have benefited from sponsorship and share the following concerns.
“There is often a lack of real support at home on many levels - management of homework, contracting reliable transport to and from school and participation in events after school hours.”
Rustenberg Girls’ Junior School, situated in Rosebank
But on Tuesday, Western Cape Education Department spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said the real concern was actually the then three-year-old Linah’s age.
“The matter regarding the financing of the pupil by the donor is not a prerequisite for immediate admission,” said Hammond.
“If Linah had applied, then her application would be considered. If she was then accepted, the financing of her school fees would be considered in terms of the donors’ contribution.”
In the same year, the school reportedly received a similar enquiry from another donor, Hammond said, and the same advice was given.
The donor submitted an application and the child was accepted for admission for next year.
But former SGB member Nuraan Davids said they questioned the school’s admissions practises.
“They look at Old Girls’, ... race, ... [parents’] profession, [and] who is more inclined to pay school fees,” says Davids.
She says a “high number of girls” live out of the feeder area, in Durbanville, Melkbosstrand and Hout Bay.
“Suggestions to set up a scholarship for underprivileged girls were shut down by school management.”