The Education Desk is an independent, non-profit newsroom dedicated to in-depth coverage of education in South Africa. It is a project of the Henry Nxumalo Foundation to fill the gaps in coverage of this crucial area of our society created by the lack of specialist education reporters in the country’s newsrooms.

Currently in a pilot phase, EdDesk is focusing on early, foundation education. EdDesk is borne from the view that learning – a critical foundation for the youth and the country – needs fuller, proper, in-depth, quality coverage if we are going to address the
challenges and shortcomings in our education system. The team produces impactful storytelling, centred on the realities of the classroom, to help strengthen the educational system with a solutions-centred approach. It exposes systemic challenges, enforces
accountability, and explores local and global interventions with proven or potential impact. 

EdDesk engages directly with policymakers, learners, educators, parents, civil society and the broader community. Through its people-centred journalism, it aims to be both authoritative and accessible, encouraging constructive debate. While our initial focus during the nine-month pilot is the foundational grades, we will respond to pressing current affairs across the broader education landscape.

Our multimedia reports are published in various partner news outlets and directly through
our website, newsletter, and social media platforms. Please subscribe to stay updated.
Experienced journalist Janet Heard is the EdDesk Editor.

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