When reporter Anders Kelto embedded himself in a South African high school for a year, he expected to learn a lot from the experience. But there were several lessons he didn't anticipate.
At the beginning of her senior year in high school, a South African student had big dreams. But by the end of the year, she was forced to reconsider her future.
I was told that proms are a big deal in South Africa -- particularly in low-income, black townships. But nothing could have prepared me for the fashion show I witnessed.
See the makeover that transforms a poor and smart South African Cinderella into a beauty queen for a night. By day, she's a student in a remarkable science and tech high school that lifts kids from a poor township near Cape Town into a better life.
In poor communities around the world, many kids fail at school. But some succeed. How? What obstacles do students who live in poverty face, and how do they overcome them? How do some public schools give kids a great education, despite limited resources?
See the makeover that transforms a poor and smart South African Cinderella into a beauty queen for a night. By day, she's a student in a remarkable science and tech high school that lifts kids from a poor township near Cape Town into a better life.
I was told that proms are a big deal in South Africa -- particularly in low-income, black townships. But nothing could have prepared me for the fashion show I witnessed.
Students at the Centre of Science and Technology in Cape Town, South Africa, have high hopes: to become doctors and engineers, win top awards, and lift their families out of poverty.
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Development & Education
A year at a South African high school
PRI's The World
June 10, 2013
In poor communities around the world, many kids fail at school. But some succeed. How? What obstacles do students who live in poverty face, and how do they overcome them? How do some public schools give kids a great education, despite limited resources?
Development & Education
School Year Blog: Should South African High Schools Distribute Free Condoms?
PRI's The World
August 28, 2013
Schools are supposed to exercise 'universal precautions' to prevent transmission of HIV. Does that include giving out condoms?
Development & Education
From the shacks to the prom, a South African girl’s night of glamour
PRI's The World
October 02, 2013
See the makeover that transforms a poor and smart South African Cinderella into a beauty queen for a night. By day, she's a student in a remarkable science and tech high school that lifts kids from a poor township near Cape Town into a better life.
Development & Education
School Year Blog: Crashing the ultimate fashion show, a South African prom
PRI's The World
October 04, 2013
I was told that proms are a big deal in South Africa -- particularly in low-income, black townships. But nothing could have prepared me for the fashion show I witnessed.
Development & Education
South African teen explains what it's like to be kind of famous in America
PRI's The World
October 04, 2013
Anders Kelto talks to a South African high school student about her Facebook chat with World listeners.
Development & Education
School Year Blog: Why South African students are afraid to cut class
PRI's The World
October 15, 2013
Reporter Anders Kelto travels to the mall with some COSAT students during school hours, and is surprised by what he sees.
Development & Education
School Year Blog: For low-income students, life after high school can be daunting
PRI's The World
October 25, 2013
The end of the school year is always an emotional time for seniors. For poor students, fear and anxiety can be the dominant emotions.
Development & Education
School Year Blog: Students celebrate Senior Day with musical performances
PRI's The World
October 25, 2013
Two girls sing a cute duet, the choir performs an African song (with dancing), and a trio of boys does some a capella.
Development & Education
School Year: A dress code to keep the 'gangsters' away
PRI's The World
November 07, 2013
Boys at COSAT often spend a lot of time on their hair. But what happens when teachers decide their hairstyles are a threat to student safety?
Development & Education
Video: Learning to Succeed
PRI's The World
March 12, 2013
Students at the Centre of Science and Technology in Cape Town, South Africa, have high hopes: to become doctors and engineers, win top awards, and lift their families out of poverty.