Jeppe Phakamisa Ubuntu (JPU):
Jeppe Phakamisa Ubuntu (JPU), which means 'Upliftment and Fellowship in the Community', came into being in 1997 when a group of 8 schools decided to form an association to uplift the area of Jeppestown. The initiative was launched with a massive clean-up campaign involving 4,000 school children, the local police, traffic and fire departments. Soon after this the School of Practical Philosophy started a regular Saturday afternoon programme for the children in the area. For some of the children it is the first time they have been introduced to fine art and music. On hearing Mozart for the first time, one eight year old boy exclaimed, "I thought I had died and gone to heaven!"
At least once a term the children are taken on a group outing to places like the Zoo, or for the older group, hiking or camping. Up to 100 children attend on a regular basis. Craft, art, games, storytelling, music and life skills are among the activities offered to the children. All are brought together at the end of the afternoon with singing. The essence of the JPU Community School is to introduce the children to fine activities and allow them to experience those magical moments of childhood that come about through good company and being in touch with the creation.
Recently, through the generous donation of BMX bicycles by Axiz (Pty) Ltd, the older boys and girls have been introduced to BMX riding. In conjunction with the Gauteng BMX Association they are being coached with the intention of entering them in the local BMX events. Who knows, maybe the next South African champion will come out of one of the development groups?
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