Matric pupils from gang-ridden Hanover Park are being accommodated at a safe space for the rest of their final examinations.
The 60 learners from Groenvlei High, Crystal Secondary and Mountview High schools packed their bags on Monday and moved to the Chrysalis Academy in Tokai.
Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz said the safe space has been made available from 5 November until 11 December.
Health and safety protocols have been put in place to ensure learner and staff safety.
Fritz says: “The study support programme aims to ensure that learners, who are most at-risk of not being able to write and/or to complete their examination due to high crime and violence in their areas, be considered to partake in the programme.
“Pending the success of this pilot project and funding being available, it will be replicated in future on a broader scale.”
Fritz said the pupils will have a structured programme for the duration of their stay, study sessions, tutoring and career guidance, and they will also receive psycho-social support.
The facilitators of the programme include principals, teachers, volunteer tutors and youth development coaches.
One of the learners selected is Faghmieh Reganie, 18. The Grade 12 boy from Crystal Secondary School lost his father, who was shot while at work six years ago.
His proud ouma, Alivia Reganie, 70, says: “He came back from school a few weeks ago and told me that he was asked at school if he wanted to be part of the project.
“I obviously want him to be in a place where he can study without hearing gunshots.
“He has had a rough life since his father passed on six years ago.
“He wants to study further than high school even though he is not sure yet.”