KHULA Education: Every Child Deserves to Be Heard

In November, GIFT will visit KHULA Education in rural KwaZulu-Natal. Ahead of the visit, we are excited to share two films that show the heart of its work.

Meet KHULA Education: For almost 20 years, KHULA has worked to give young people a fair start. Its support begins in preschool and continues through school, Matric and the first steps into employment. KHULA recently joined the GIFT portfolio. This short film introduces the team and the communities they serve.Watch the first video here

Ngilalele: “Listen to Me”: Imagine being one of 90 children in a classroom. Finding the confidence to speak, let alone be heard, is not a given. Ngilalele, meaning “Listen to Me” in isiZulu, is changing that. In 2026, 365 learners worked with professional poets and performers to write and perform their own poems. The programme builds confidence, self belief and the courage to stand up and say: this is who I am. The film features this year’s top 20 performers.[Watch the Ngilalele video here

Royal recognition: KHULA has been selected as a 2026 Strategic Partner of the King Charles III Charitable Fund. In October 2026, KHULA’s UK Chair, Jamille Jinnah, attended the Pre-CHOGM Commonwealth Reception at St James’s Palace as a guest of the Fund. KHULA was one of only two organisations from the Fund’s entire portfolio invited.

Why this matters: At GIFT, we look for strong local leadership, deep community roots and a clear long term vision. Recognition at this level is independent confirmation of what KHULA’s team has built. It also matters practically. As international aid budgets shrink, credibility with other funders becomes harder to earn and more valuable to hold.

KHULA celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2027. We are proud to stand alongside its team.