Gratton School – from small classrooms to top results

Education has always been at the heart of Zulufadder. We knew that if our children were to have a chance at a better future, they needed a school that truly delivered. When the school board at Gratton reached out in late 2009, it was the beginning of a partnership that would shape both us and hundreds of children. In January 2010, the doors opened, and since then, Gratton has grown into a school the local community speaks warmly of and is proud to send their children to.

From primary to high school

Today, Gratton embraces everything from preschoolers to students taking their final exams after 13 years of schooling.
The primary school has been a cornerstone from the start. With support from many generous hands in Norway, we have built safe classrooms, playgrounds, a library, and outdoor areas designed for the youngest learners.

👉 Read more here: Gratton Primary School and Kindergarten

The high school was added step by step from 2015, and today we see graduates leaving with solid diplomas and dreams of higher education. Year after year, results show that Gratton ranks among the best schools in the district, proof that dedicated effort, skilled teachers, and hardworking students bear fruit.

Sponsored classrooms and buildings

From small classrooms to entire laboratories, a media center, cafeteria, and school hall, every building has been made possible by generous friends in Norway. Each project has its own story, and together they have transformed Gratton into a modern, vibrant school.

👉 Read more here: Sponsored classrooms at Gratton

Hostels at Gratton

Many children stay at school during the week or for the full term. Our three hostels offer safety, community, and a place for homework, laughter, and friendships.

👉 Read more here: Gratton Hostels

Agriculture

Vegetable gardens, greenhouses, and farming are part of daily life at Gratton. Students learn how food is grown, knowledge that builds both independence and pride.

👉 Read more here: Gratton School – Agriculture

Sports, dance, and culture

The school buzzes with activity – on stage and on the field. Our students are proud Zulu dancers, the choir fills the hall with music, and on the sports field, sweat and laughter turn into teamwork and spirit. Everyone finds a place to belong.

Technology

We are careful with screen time for the younger children, but for the teachers and the school itself, digital tools are essential. With fiber internet, projectors, and computer labs, teaching can be kept at a high standard.

👉 Read more here: Technology at Gratton

Projects and fundraising

Behind every classroom, every instrument, and every book lies a story. Many individuals, families, companies, and foundations have contributed — sometimes through small campaigns, other times through larger initiatives. The results are visible in buildings, equipment, and new opportunities for our children.

👉 Read more here: Projects and fundraising at Gratton

Pride and gratitude

Running a school is costly, but we know that nothing is a better investment than knowledge. Thanks to sponsors, donors, and partners in Norway, we can continue to give children and young people a future full of opportunities. Gratton has become a school to be proud of,  and the journey continues.

👉 Read more here: Zulufadder’s Education Fund

A warm thank-you to NutraQ, who have made a difference ever since 2010. Without their support, Gratton would not have the opportunities it has today!

Some of what we have done at Gratton School since 2010 – all with the help of Norwegian sponsors:

• Tuition fees for Zulu sponsor children (ongoing)
• Boarding fees for Zulu sponsor children (ongoing)
• Moved preschool + 1st – 3rd grade to new property (2020)
• Built technology center (opened 2021)
• Built 15 classrooms
• Built media center
• Built multi-purpose hall
• Completely renovated a classroom to state-of-the-art science lab
• Bought 40 new laptops and 12 new tablets (2021)
• Bought 30 new PCs
• Bought 30 new tablets
• Bought 90 used iPads
• Purchased e-books for all subjects (software for upper secondary school) (every year since 2019)
• Hostel (phase 1, new building) (2012)
• Hostel (phase 2, new building) (2015)
• Hostel – Zulufadder House (2021)
• Jungle gyms for kindergarten, preschool and the hostel
• New toilets for primary school (new building)
• Renovated living room and kitchen at the hostel
• Renovation of girls ‘and boys’ toilets for upper secondary school (2017)
• Installed Internet
• Software for all grade levels
• New books for all classes in recent years
• Several thousand books to the library
• Bought music instruments
• Employed fantastic music teacher (Sir Bo)
• Employed wonderful teachers, principal and other staff
• Renovated the preschool
• Continuous painting of classrooms; inside and outside
• Fixed the entire electrical system
• Laid tiles in all classrooms
• Set up a fence around the entire property
• Employed security guards
• Set up video surveillance
• Had Norwegian teachers on exchange
• Sent employees at Gratton to Norway
• Employed former Zulu sponsor child – and who has taken the teacher education part time and is now a trained teacher (May 2022)
• Desks, chairs, blackboards, cabinets in all classrooms
• Administration
• Maintenance
• Vegetable garden, including tunnels and other equipment
• Pig farm
• Sports equipment
• School uniforms
• School bus
• Tractor

More about Gratton: www.gratton.co.za

Our main sponsor for Gratton school:

Huge thanks to everyone for the wonderful support we receive from you!