Some kids experience learning difficulties at primary school level due to social challenges in their communities or households. On a mission to address this predicament, the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Department of Educational Psychology within the Faculty of Education has launched the UJabule Learning Centre on Wednesday, 28 February 2018 at the Funda UJabule School.

The Centre will provide educational and psychological assessments and interventions to the Funda UJabule School community and the Faculty’s partner schools in Soweto. Some learners encounter barriers to learning; these may be caused by multiple socio-cultural and educational challenges which result in poor academic performance. The Centre aims to screen, identify, assess and support such learners.

Says Dr Boitumelo Diale, Head of Department: UJ Educational Psychology: “This launch is the beginning of a new chapter to provide solutions to our young generation. Our kids come from communities with many social challenges and difficulties, and it is our duty as educators and educational psychologists to enable better learning experiences for our children to excel. This initiative is further testament to the Faculty of Education’s pursuit to nurture the future of our children.”

The launch of the UJabule Learning Centre follows the introduction of a website (referred to as the Knowledge for Action website) to support childhood education. The UJabule Learning Centre, as well as the website is sponsored via a USAID and Elma Foundation grant.