the lives of marginalized children. In 2008, SAEP's Early Childhood Development Programme won an ABSA/Sowetan award as runner up Western Cape Resource Training Organization of the Year. Also in 2008, SAEP (USA)'s founder, Norton Tennille, won the national Inyathelo Award for Exceptional Philanthropy for his groundbreaking work in education in the schools of Philippi and neighbouring townships. SAEP's Vision and Mission SAEP's vision is "A generation of motivated South African youth, equipped with education and life skills in order to maximise their potential, and contribute to society. SAEP's mission is "To prepare and motivate children and youth from under-resourced communities to thrive by providing education, life skills and psycho-social support" through its learning programmes. SAEP’s Objectives SAEP's overall organizational objectives are: To increase access to quality early childhood education in township communities; To significantly improve academic achievement in township high schools; To expand the horizons of, build the confidence of, and empower township youth through career guidance and enrichment programmes; To enhance the likelihood of tertiary entrance and retention among township youth and to improve tertiary graduation rates among these youth; To share knowledge and collaborate with other organisations working for change in South African education, and together advocate for improved service delivery in the sector. SAEP Programmes (from 2019) SAEP employs a community-driven approach. All the programmes have developed in response to specific needs expressed by learners, teachers or principals in the Philippi community. The offerings include: The Early Childhood Development Programme, works with under-resourced centres in Philippi through centre capacitation and compliance in order for them to be recognised and be registered by the Department of Social Development. The ECD Programme help the educare centres develop into sustainable, quality education providers through long-term mentoring relationships, ongoing staff training, provision of educational materials and guidance, and infrastructural and nutritional support. This impacts 0 to 5-year-old children. The Hope Scholars Programme, helps Grade 8 and 9 learners transition into secondary school through extended experiential learning, career guidance, and mentoring & enrichment activities. This impacts trades 8 and 9 learners from partner schools. The Bridging Year Programme, prepares promising recent matriculants for success in tertiary education through intensive tutoring on 21st century skills, critical thinking, career advisement, and life orientation. The programme also provides leadership training, computer and digital literacy skills and psycho-social support. This impacts post-matric students, all of whom are from under-resourced schools. SAEP has partnered with the Cape