Lebang Nong Interview

Lebang Nong is young individual who continues to aspire for transformation of dreams for the Youth of South Africa. Lebang Nong is very passionate about educating and mentoring the youth. Lebang Nong tutors Mathematics in Primary Schools, Secondary Schools, ABET and University students (1st years). An advocate for change.

Please tell us about KPEdu what is it about?
I founded KPEdu through a crisis that took place at my school (in Soweto) in 2004. While I was still in grade 11, my mathematics teacher was involved in a car accident. This incidence left us without a mathematics teacher for some time. I remember my fellow learners were beginning to be afraid or were losing hope in attaining a good mark in mathematics in the year-end examinations.  I then initiated my after school tutoring programme, where I was helping my fellow grade11’s with mathematics. . It was through this experience Katleho Pele Education (KPE) was founded. I continued with my classes in my final year of high school, which I have expanded by inviting students from other schools nearby to attend also.In 2006 I officially founded the Non Profit Organization (NPO) and named it Katleho Pele Education ( KPEdu).

KPEdu for the past years it has educated many primary schools, high schools and also Adult Education. In 2006 we helped a school in Soweto to achieve a pass rate of 98%. In the year 2007 we continued to educate learners even though the teacher’s mass strike took place. In 2010, KPEdu produced Soweto’s Top learner with 100% in Mathematics and 95% in Science. In 2011, a learner who joined KPEdu in June with a D symbol as an average. Through being part of the programme she was able to attain 5 distinctions in Maths, Physical Science,Life Science,Geography and LO. Through her work she was crowned top 4 learner in Soweto. In the year 2012, a learner who came in a programme with 26% in his grade 11, joined KPEdu and his final mark was 80 percent. In 2013 KPEdu aims at producing top learner in Gauteng or South Africa.

All this work has been done without FUNDING! We still continue to produce TOP students! KPEdu is passionate about educating learners and embracing dreams.

You have won a number of awards. Please tell us more about these and what or who do you attribute your success to?

• – Mail & Guardian Top 200
• – ABET Mathematics teacher 2013 (Johannesburg)
• – Part the TOP 100 Brightest Young Minds in South Africa
• – Award by Csl Sithole for uplifting the community of Protea Glen.

You were recently listed as one of the Mail and Guardian’s top 200 young South African’s in 2013 . What was your initial reaction when you heard about it ?

I was/am humbled to be part of the M&G TOP 200 Young South Africans; it signifies hope for KPEdu that throughout the seven 7 years of producing top students in Soweto we are finally acknowledged. It also brings more inspiration for us to continue to produce top students in Soweto,  and to further aim at also producing top students in Gauteng and South Africa.

You recently participated in the Top 100 Brightest Young Minds Summit in SA what did you draw from the experience? 

-Inspiration is what I drew from the entire experience. It was a privilege to be surrounded by other Brightest Young Minds in South Africa. The passion that we all have for social transformation proves to show that the youth can bring change in South Africa, Africa and the whole world. Humbled I am to have taken part in the Brightest Young Minds South Africa (BYM) Summit 2013.
You are also a co- founder of Educan, an Online Learning Community, please tell us more about this initiative.

EduCAN (www.educan.co.za). is an Online Learning Community founded by me ( Lebang Nong) and Bruce Dube. Two young social entrepreneurs who are passionate about transforming the youth through creating education platform where the youth and authority generation can Connect, Create and share educational resources and expertise that can add value to the development and progression of learners. Through EduCAN we aim to use the platform to connect learners and tutors, offer a range of free education resources and instant learner support via online chats. EduCAN’s believe is that education should be fun, interactive and engaging.

What do you hope to achieve with Educan?
We hope EduCAN becomes a catalyst in helping millions of South AfriCANs, this can be possible through achieving success in Education .EduCAN hopes to help young and old to access information easily.

What are some of the key features on the platform? 

Features

– Get live help

Need help? Ask a question, and get an answer from a student just like you.

– Meet students

Tired of studying alone? Connect with learners studying the same things you are.

– Build credentials

Achieve legendary status and earn course certificates by working with peers worldwide.

– Create Your Own Study Communities

Create online study groups, if you struggle take your questions to forum where you can engage with people outside your group!

– Instant Messaging

Inbox or chat instantly with your learning buddies.

-Blog

Write up blog posts and share content you think can help others.

-Choose your friends

Choose your friends wisely! On EduCAN you can only connect directly with people who are only your friends.

How can people access the platform ?

they can check our website www.educan.co.za or follow us on twitter @EduCanSA

How can people connect with you ?

Cell +27726109902
Email : [email protected]
Twitter: @lebangnong

Websites : www.educan.co.za / www.kpedu.org.za