SAEP works in the severely under-resourced black townships of Cape Town (specifically Philippi, Samora Machel, and Nyanga East). The population we work with consists largely of families who are recent economic refugees from the impoverished rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province.

The problems facing these communities are high rates of unemployment (probably at least 40% in these particular areas); crime; HIV/AIDS and TB; domestic violence; sexual abuse; and teenage pregnancy. Although the historic mission of SAEP is environmental education, it soon became clear that education at all levels is in a state of urgent need. Almost none of the young children in the area are properly nourished or receive pre-school education, while high schools are overcrowded and do not produce matriculants ready to enter tertiary education.

SAEP seeks to address education at these three levels by providing support and supplementation in whatever ways the beneficiaries themselves see fit. Thus, SAEP works to support ten existing Early Childhood Development Centres in the area, ensuring that they are of a level sufficient to register with the Department of Social Services and receive subsidies, providing training and individualised support.

It also works closely with 5 high schools (Sinethemba, Intsebenziswano, Oscar Mpetha, Sophumelele and Zisukhanyo), both to support curricular learning as well as to provide a variety of extramural activities, which are otherwise conspicuously absent. It does this mainly by initiating volunteer organisations and assisting in their growth and development, so that those with specific skills are recruited to meet specific needs, eg. drama students teaching drama.

So far the following activities are provided: maths, science and english tutoring, debating, environmental clubs, arts workshops, school newspapers, biology practicals, etc. Lastly, SAEP provides a service to those promising matriculants who do not have the marks or money to attend tertiary education institutions, by providing the option of a year of intensive personal and educational development.

The small group is encouraged to improve their matric marks, seek scholarships, learn basic computer skills, attend counselling, serve their communities and whatever else is required in order to ensure their readiness to succeed at a thoughtfully-chosen career.