Learning Centre · Strandfontein
The 9Miles Learning Centre
The vision
A Home for Learning in Strandfontein
9Miles Project Learning Centre will bring education, skills development and pathways to employment closer to communities where opportunities remain limited. Located in Strandfontein and designed to serve the greater Mitchells Plain area and surrounding communities, the Centre will be an inclusive space for children, young people and adults to learn, develop practical skills and explore new opportunities.
Building on 9Miles Project’s existing programmes, it will provide a dedicated home for afterschool learning, youth development, adult education, vocational training and employment preparation. It will be a shared community resource where potential is nurtured and opportunity becomes more accessible.
We envision a future where people, regardless of their age or background, have access to the education, skills and opportunities they need to build a better life.
Across the greater Mitchells Plain area, many people face barriers to education, further training and employment. Limited learning resources, low literacy levels, youth unemployment and the effects of social challenges can make it difficult to access opportunities and realise their potential.
The 9Miles Project Learning Centre aims to help address these challenges by bringing learning, mentorship and practical skills development together under one roof.
It will support children through afterschool education and matric support, give young people opportunities to develop skills and prepare for employment, and create learning pathways for adults seeking to strengthen their literacy, digital skills or career prospects.
Building on 9Miles Project’s holistic approach, the Centre will complement existing programmes while creating room for new opportunities to grow.
It will be a place where people can learn, connect, build confidence and take meaningful steps towards a more independent future.
The need
Why This Learning Centre is Needed
Grade 4 children cannot read in any language
South Africa faces a significant literacy challenge. Without a strong educational foundation, children risk falling behind, limiting their future learning and opportunities.
Adults in Mitchells Plain have not completed high school
Limited access to further education can make it harder to gain qualifications, develop new skills and pursue better employment opportunities.
The Youth unemployment rate in South Africa
South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate highlights the need for opportunities that help young people develop practical skills, gain experience and become better prepared to enter the workforce.
Young South Africans are not in employment, education or training
Too many young people remain disconnected from pathways to employment and further learning. The Centre aims to help bridge this gap through practical training, job readiness and skills development.
The solution
What the Building Enables
The Centre’s facilities will support a range of existing and future programmes, creating a flexible
space for education, youth development, practical training and community engagement.
Computer lab
A dedicated space for digital literacy, computer skills and technology-based learning. The lab will help bridge the digital divide by equipping young people and adults with practical skills to support their education, improve employability and access further learning opportunities.
Cafe training
The café will provide hands-on training in barista skills, food preparation, customer service and hospitality. By combining practical experience with workplace readiness, it will help equip participants with transferable skills and create pathways towards employment, entrepreneurship and greater financial independence.
Rooftop garden
The rooftop garden will offer practical learning in sustainable food production, gardening and horticulture. It will encourage environmental awareness while teaching valuable, transferable skills. By connecting sustainability with hands-on education, the garden will support personal development and introduce opportunities for future employment and small-scale enterprise.
Boardrooms
The boardrooms will provide a professional space for workshops, training sessions, meetings and community development initiatives. Available for public hire, they will also generate supplementary income to support the Centre’s long-term sustainability, bringing together learning, collaboration and community engagement under one roof.
A Home for 9Miles Project Programmes
Beyond its dedicated facilities, the Centre will provide a base for 9Miles Project’s ongoing afterschool programmes, matric support and rewrite classes, youth development activities, mentorship and skills training. By bringing these initiatives together, the building will support a more connected approach to learning and personal development, creating opportunities for people at different stages of life.
Projected impact
1,000+
beneficiaries annually
Children, youth and young adults from marginalised communities will benefit from this centre’s learning, skills development, and job placement programmes
Programme breakdown
- Afterschool Education, Matric Support & Rewrite Programmes 200 learners
- Adult Literacy & Numeracy 150 beneficiaries
- Computer & Digital Skills Training 200 individuals
- Chef, Hospitality, Tourism & Barista Training 120 trainees
- CV Development & Job Readiness 200 individuals
- Urban Agriculture & Vegetable Gardening 70 trainees
- Paid Internships & Work Experience 60 local youth
Recognition
Recognised on the World Stage
Design and partners
Designed with Purpose, Built with Partners
Architecture by SAOTA
9Miles Learning Centre has been thoughtfully envisioned by world-renowned architectural firm SAOTA, our long-standing corporate partner, whose design brings our vision for community-led change to life. Every space is designed with purpose, creating opportunities for learning, practical skills development and connection. Together with our partners, we aim to build a structure, a lasting community resource where potential can be nurtured and opportunity can grow for generations to come.
Artwork by Yay Abe
The collaboration with YAY Abe brings another layer of meaning to 9Miles Learning Centre, celebrating creativity, self-expression and the power of community. Through art, the Centre’s vision becomes a reflection of the people it is designed to serve. This collaboration helps create a space that feels welcoming, inspiring and rooted in the identity of Strandfontein.
Our Partners & Donors
We recognise and acknowledge the partners and donors who have come on board since October 2026. Their commitment and contributions are helping bring the vision of 9Miles Learning Centre to life, supporting the creation of a space where education and opportunity can flourish.
Partner with Purpose
Partner with Purpose
Be part of building a future where education, skills and opportunity are within reach for every member of
the Strandfontein community.
Enquiry form
Tell Us How You’d Like to Be Involved
Funders, partners and supporters: share a few details and the 9Miles team will be in touch within five working days.
