Chelo Blog #1 — Inspiring Tomorrow, Today
A New Chapter for Education Begins South Africa’s education system carries immense potential but it also carries deep inequality and issues of resource scarcity. Schools across all districts and areas face overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated physical infrastructure, and limited access to digital resources. Despite the challenges that exist, educators and learners are doing their best with little to no resources Yet behind every school is a community that cares—and behind every learner is a dream waiting to be funded. This is where Chelo steps in.
What Is Chelo?
Chelo is a transparent, digital fundraising platform built to help schools raise funds for projects that directly improve learning—whether it’s fixing a torn roof, building a science lab, renovating a computer room, or supporting student well-being programs.
Our name comes from Motshelo, meaning “to pour into each other.”
And that’s exactly what we do:
We create a space where communities can pour into their schools openly, safely and impactfully.
Why Chelo Exists
Our founder, Maker Khalo, grew up in Limpopo and experienced firsthand how resource gaps limit potential. Years later, returning to his former school, he found a fundraising initiative at his school for a project—but no digital way to contribute, no transparency, and no updates.
That moment became the spark for Chelo.
It revealed a national truth:
Schools need funding. Donors need transparency. Communities need a bridge.
Chelo is that bridge.
Driving Real Impact—One Project at a Time
Through Chelo and our needs-analysis tool Nextfinder, we help schools:
Identify their most urgent and impactful needs
Launch transparent fundraising campaigns
Manage milestones
Process payments securely
Track impact
Showcase progress to donors in real time
Already, we've been working with 70+ schools, raised over R4m, and supported projects ranging from science lab upgrades to e-learning programs to installing new roofs to supplying sports material, etc.
And the best part?
We’re just getting started.
A Future Built Together
Chelo is not just a platform.
It’s a movement.
A movement where alumni reconnect with their roots.
Where businesses fund real transformation.
Where communities become active participants in shaping the next generation.
Where learners—regardless of where they’re born—get a fair chance.
We believe in a South Africa where every child learns in dignity.
Where every community can rally around a school.
Where transparency rebuilds trust.
Where technology unlocks opportunity.
That is the future we are building.
Join Us
Whether you’re an alumnus, a donor, a teacher, or simply someone who believes in education — you belong in the Chelo community.
Visit:www.cheloapp.com
Follow our journey.