At Axium Education, we believe rural schools cannot be strengthened in isolation. The challenges are complex, and real progress only happens when schools, government, NGOs, funders, and communities work together. This belief shaped the 2nd Rural Education Partnerships Conference, held on 6–7 August 2025 in East London and co-hosted with the DG Murray Trust’s Public School Partnerships office, the Eastern Cape Department of Education, and NASCEE. With the theme “Education partnerships to strengthen pathways for rural youth,” the conference built on the inaugural event in 2024 and brought together education leaders, civil society partners, government officials, and community organisations. The presence of the Eastern Cape MEC for Education, Hon. Fundile Gade, gave the gathering weight and affirmed that rural education is being taken seriously.
Over two days, participants reflected on key themes shaping rural education: strengthening foundational learning, supporting school-to-work transitions, lessons from the Public School Partnerships model, collaborative leadership, and youth development initiatives. Importantly, sessions went beyond celebrating successes to acknowledge challenges and gaps. For example, Axium’s School Development Managers shared how they build trust with schools, sparking fresh thinking among delegates about their own work with communities. Participants also asked for more youth voices, stronger involvement from teachers, parents, and local government, longer breakout sessions for co-creation, and additional networking opportunities. These suggestions align with Axium’s vision of keeping rural learners, educators, and communities at the centre of these conversations.
Looking ahead, many participants expressed interest in joining Communities of Practice and Working Groups on themes such as Teaching at the Right Level, youth pathways, and the Public School Partnerships model. These next steps reflect a shared determination to strengthen pathways for rural youth. As Dr Langa, Director for Rural Education at the Department of Basic Education, reminded us, “Rurality should not be perceived or spoken about as deficient and powerless. There is power within us and the environments we work in.” Her words remind us that solutions often already exist within the communities we serve, and Axium remains committed to working with partners to unlock that potential.
