Our activities

Free Lessons for Knysna Schoolchildren (FLKS) is a non-profit organisation that provides free mathematics (math) instruction to underprivileged high school students in Knysna, South Africa. FLKS makes an impact on students' lives by providing them with critical maths skills and the self-confidence that is fundamental to sustained academic success. We employ a a single maths teacher to provide lessons after students' normal school hours. Currently, about 60 students enrol in our lessons each year.

Our achievements

• We have been operating successfully and efficiently since 2006. Everyone involved in the administration of FLKS gives their time for free.
• For students completing the year, we have a 80% pass rate for our students compared to a national average of around 30%.
• We have a drop-out rate of 50% in our classes mainly due to socio-economic factors beyond our control e.g. learners giving up on high school education altogether due to desperate home circumstances. We actively monitor these drop-outs and try to encourage them to return to education.
• The local school headmaster praised the program and requested the expansion of our free lessons. The Knysna Rotary club recognised our achievements and donated R20,000 (about US$2,800) to FLKS in 2010.
• The Isle of Man Government Overseas Aid Committee donated £900 (about US$1,500) to FLKS in 2011 to enable us to buy a new PC and printer for our teacher.

Our success stories

Just a few examples of learners who have benefited from FLKS tuition:   [ Natalie Petersen ]    [ Raymond Talmaggies]     [ Carlton Quine ]    [ Denver Jantjies ]

Our records

More details of our simple record-keeping here.