The SHAWCO STEP project was established at K2 in 1999 (STEP standing for Student Tutoring Education Project). STEP was the forerunner for all the subsequent Khayelitsha Curriculum projects). Through the help of 114 student volunteers, 180 Grade 3-7 learners are provided with tutoring in English and Mathematics during the week and Life Orientation on Saturdays.

The vision of STEP is to strive to be a project of academic excellence that motivates and enables learners to maximise the benefit of educational opportunities. The lessons are based on addressing the various needs of the community such as achieving personal goals, achieving a certain level of responsibility, achieving a high level of academic performance, self-respect and respect for others, HIV&AIDS related issues and basic hygiene.

Learners are recruited from Eluxolweni, Kukhanyile and Yomelela Primary schools for STEP. STEP participants have six contact hours with SHAWCO tutors over three sessions per week. Apart from the academic tutoring sessions above, several big events and outings are run each term as well as a camp and graduation for the grade 7 learners.

If you would like any further information please contact the Project Leader for 2008 Shahanah Surty @ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

• a trip to Kirstenbosch,
• The World of Birds,
• a Grade 7 leadership camp (or a trip to Robben Island),
• 3 HIV & AIDS awareness days,
• a Sports day,
• a Crime Awareness day,
• a visit to UCT and, finally,
• a graduation day for grade 7’s.

Learners are also involved in the Library, Sports and Arts projects being run in Khayelitsha.
There are 100 volunteers involved in this project. There is a strong emphasis on ongoing mentorship and evaluation of the learners. STEP runs in Khayelitsha from the SHAWCO centre and Eluxolweni Primary School (Next to the K2 centre). STEP learners are channelled directly to Stepping Out (Grades 8 & 9) and SMART (Student Mentored All Round Tutoring – Grade 10 & 11).