The NPC Investing for Innovation addresses the disadvantages faced by rural learners who struggle with poverty, less-than-functional schools and transport to and from schools, among other challenges. Rural learners are also often isolated and have no/little access to sport, cultural activities or any after school functions. Many have poor internet access hampering their ability to complete school work and access information in a technological age.

A major challenge faced by rural learners is the significant distances they have to travel to and from school, with many having to walk great distances (often under unsafe conditions) to access a main road in order to make use of public transport. Public transport tends to be costly, unsafe and unreliable directly impacting learners’ access to quality schooling. 

Support for the learners’ to attend well-functioning boarding schools enables them to access quality education, as well as social activities in the safety of the boarding school environment.