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Our Mission

The ASSIST, or the African Sports and Scholastic Initiative for Students in Townships, grew out of the goals of three Harvard seniors to use their passions for athletics and serving others to make a lasting contribution to a community in Johannesburg, South Africa. The township of Alexandra in Johannesburg is one of the poorest and most dangerous areas of South Africa's economic hub. Unemployment sits around 60 percent, and the majority of its residents live in overcrowded informal settlements or shacks. Our work with the children of Alexandra made clear to us the problem facing those who grow up there: unstable living environments coupled with the high costs of a continued education often lead towards a life of crime or sloth. The ASSIST was founded to address the complex needs of the children of the township. By emphasizing the value of education combined with enrichment activities such as basketball, the ASSIST hopes to foster a positive environment for Alexandra youth in order to better prepare them for a chance at matriculation, tertiary education, and a brighter future.

Program Description

The ASSIST was founded to leverage children's excitement about the growing sport of basketball for improvement in the classroom. The major components of the program are as follows:

  • HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays at Pholosho Secondary School in Alexandra township. We also offer a supplementary academic program during the school holidays. Our first-hand research on education in Alexandra schools has led us to focus on English (reading comprehension, writing), mathematics (arithmetic in particular), the sciences, and, for grade 12 students, preparation for their matriculation exams. We have partnered with the University of Witwatersrand to recruit knowledgeable tutors to volunteer their time to provide individual academic assistance to the learners. We have also partnered with a local tutoring center Master Maths for access to educational resources tailored towards test preparation. Given the lack of access to nutritious food in the township, a healthy snack is offered as well.
  • BASKETBALL INSTRUCTION collaborating with the Alexandra Basketball Association and African Youth Development Fund that incorporates physical fitness, the importance of teamwork, and the development of basic traits such as perseverance and discipline.
  • TERTIARY EDUCATION AND CAREER COUNSELING regarding university & college requirements, potential lines of work, as well as information about bursaries and loans designated specifically for township children. Guest speakers and student-mentors are recruited through ASSIST collaborations with local universities and private secondary schools.