The Constitution of South Africa states that everyone has the right to a basic education. This means that all asylum seeker and refugee children have a right to primary education and are entitled to the same access to schooling as any South African child.  Here is some advice, and some answers to frequently asked questions if you are an asylum seeker or refugee seeking information on how to take care of your child's education. This information was compiled by Lawyers For Human Rights (LHR) and The Consortium For Refugees And Migrants in South Africa (CORMSA). 

Who is responsible for my child's education in South Africa?

• A parent or guardian of the child is responsible for ensuring that their children attend school.
• In South Africa schooling is compulsory for boys and girls until the age of 16 years.

Which school can I send my child to?

• If you want to send your child to a public or government school, you have to register them at a school close to where you live.
• If you can afford to send them to a private school you can register your child at any school that you like. It is important however, to check that the school is registered with the Department of Education before enrolling them with that school. 

What happens if a school rejects my child because they are already full?

• You need to approach the Department of Education which will be able to find another school for your child.
• You can also approach organisations like Lawyers for Human Rights, Wits Law Clinic, The Refugee Children's Project (RCP) and the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) to try and negotiate with another school to admit your child.

Who is responsible for the payment of school fees?

• As a parent or guardian you are responsible for the payment of the school fees for your child/children and those children under your care.

What if I cannot afford to pay?

• If you are not able to pay the required school fees, you can approach the school and explain your situation.
• The school will assist you in applying for an exemption from paying school fees. You will be required to complete a form to apply for exemption from paying school fees. If your application is successful, you may be required to pay a lesser amount or not to pay at all.
• There are organisations that may be able to assist you in paying school fees and buying school uniforms, like the JRS, and the RCP. These organisations receive a lot of applications for assistance. It is therefore important to apply early for assistance for the following year.
• With pre-school education (for example, crèche) parents are solely responsible for the payment of fees. There is no assistance from the government.

What if I cannot speak English and am not able to communicate with the school?

• You can take along somebody who speaks English to interpret for you at the school. You can also approach the service providers listed on this booklet and they may be able to assist or refer you to an organisation that offers interpretation services.

What happens if the school rejects my child because she/he does not have a South African birth certificate? 

• You can approach one of the service providers who will be able to address the matter with the school on your behalf.

USEFUL CONTACTS:
 

Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS)

130 Commissioner Street 

2nd Floor, Dynamo House

Marshalltown       

Tel: (011) 331 0037

Fax: (011) 331 0038 

Johannesburg Child Welfare

JCW runs a pre-school centre 

1st Floor, Edura House

41 Fox Street

Johannesburg

Tel:(011) 298 - 8500   

Fax: (011) 298 - 8590

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.jhbchildwelfare.org.za

Refugee Children's Project

Suite 510 - 513, 5th Floor 

111 Kerk Street, Corner Mooi Street

Johannesburg

Tel & Fax: (011) 333 9266

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.rcpafrica.org.za

Lawyers for Human Rights: Refugee Rights Project

2nd Floor, Braamfontein Centre

23 Jorissen Street

Braamfontein

Tel: 011 339 1960

Fax: 011 339 2665

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website: www.lhr.org.za 
 

South African Qualifications Authority

Hatfield Forum West

1067 Arcardia Street, Hatfield

Pretoria

Tel: 086 010 3188 (helpdesk); (012) 431 5000

Fax: (012) 431 5039

Website: www.saqa.org.za 

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

351 Schoeman Street (cnr Prinsloo)

Metropark Building

Pretoria 0001

Tel: (012) 354 8300/8303

Fax: (012) 354 8390/8392

Website: www.unhcr.org 

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