Clarens, where the school is situated, is a small town on South Africa’s northern border with Lesotho. The town is about four hours south of Johannesburg and is 6,000 feet up with stunning scenery where the Drakensburg and Maluti mountains meet.
Our school has developed as part of Dihlabeng Christian Church’s belief that it is God’s plan to use His Church to change individual lives and impact nations. The school was started in 2000 by Margaret Grant with the aim of serving the poor and bringing hope to the hopeless. Beginning with just seven Basotho children, they met in the garage of a private home until a house in the local township was found. The school grew steadily in 2000 and at the end of the year there were 19 children attending full-time. Growth continued and a larger building became necessary. In July 2001 they moved to the site of our current location, a municipal farm, which provided space for future expansion.
Since 2020 the school has been under the leadership of Andy Woodage, a qualified teacher from the UK. We have classes from Pre-School (Grade RR) up to Grade 7. Our maximum capacity is 180 students. Our learners are mostly from the Basotho, Afrikaans and English communities. Our teaching, assistant and ancillary staff numbers over 25 from both black and white communities, and from different nationalities. A multicultural team, working in harmony serves as a positive role model for the children. Some of our local staff have been sponsored to complete their training through generous donations from the UK and overseas. We believe we are preparing the next generation to love, respect and learn from other cultures as they grow together. The school, together with the church, also provides an environment in which children can meet Jesus Christ and develop a personal relationship with Him.
Dihlabeng Christian School is registered with the Free State Department of Education as an Independent Primary School. The school is also registered as a Public Benefit Organisation and a Non-Profit Organisation. The school is accredited by Umalusi, Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training, and is a member of ISASA (Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa).
Our lessons are planned according to the South African National Curriculum and we have a wide range of extra clubs teaching life skills, sports and creative activities. Our enthusiastic staff team are dedicated to providing stimulating and fun learning experiences for all children, striving to give children the best possible start and hope for the future.