First impressions of Lotus Gardens School, outside Pretoria (Tshwane) are deceptive. Built in 1993, it has beautifully maintained gardens and buildings, a big school hall and not a shack to be seen in the vicinity. You would never suspect that its 1250 pupils come from an area of very high unemployment and poverty.

All South African schools charge pupil fees, but more than three-quarters of Lotus Gardens pupils qualify for free education and for the rest the fees are very low - R250 (about £25). The school has become a hub for the community, allowing multi-use by other local schools, churches and mosques. Its facilities are relatively good by South African standards, because of the generosity of rich local sponsors, and the provision of some equipment and computers by St Luke's Church of England Primary School in Kingston, UK.