The Förderer der DSD(Friends of DSD) Trust was established to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Deutsche Schule Durban (DSD) and to support the school’s strategic focus on Educating for a Global Future.
The Deutsche Schule Durban is more than just a place of academic learning – it is a vibrant hub at the heart of the community. In addition to offering a high-quality, German-based and internationally accredited education, the school provides a broad and integrated extramural programme, including sports, music, and cultural activities. For many families, DSD serves as the epicenter of their community life.
Our Vision
Our vision is to offer a quality German-based, internationally accredited education to all members of the community we serve. As an independent Trust and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO), the Deutsche Schule Durban Trust plays a key role in securing funding for scholarships and development initiatives, ensuring that DSD remains a dynamic, inclusive centre of international education.
Currently, the Trust funds 13 bursaries, allowing learners from diverse backgrounds to benefit from a high-quality, bilingual education. Importantly, bursaries are only awarded once full funding for a student’s school career has been secured, ensuring long-term continuity and support for each recipient.
Unlike many other schools, DSD receives no financial support from either the South African or German governments. The school’s main source of income is the school fees paid by parents, which account for 62% of the budget. In addition to these fees, a dedicated parent community helps raise additional funds through events and initiatives. However, these efforts are not sufficient to meet all the school’s needs.
Current Financial Breakdown of the Deutsche Schule Durban:
School Fees from Parents – 62% Private Donations via Trusts (incl. Förderer der DSD) – 34% General Donations – 4%
These funds cover only the school’s basic, day-to-day operations and leave no room for savings or investment in infrastructure, growth projects, or future development. The school continues to rely heavily on private donors—especially those supporting the Förderer der DSD—as well as contributions from philanthropic Trusts, to avoid unnecessary financial strain.
At the same time, the donor landscape is shifting. Many of the early supporters’ families are no longer actively involved with the school, and a new generation of donors must be engaged to continue this legacy of support. Meanwhile, the DSD is experiencing growing interest from non-German-speaking families who are seeking an international education for their children. Many of these families face financial constraints, and the school offers them scholarships where possible—placing additional pressure on already limited reserves.
Despite these challenges, the Deutsche Schule Durban remains committed to Educating for a Global Future, offering an education that rivals the best international schools, while staying rooted in values of inclusivity, community, and academic excellence.
How You Can Help
Your support—whether as a donor, partner, or advocate—would be invaluable. By contributing to the Förderer der DSD, you enable the school to continue its mission: to nurture future leaders, thinkers, and global citizens, regardless of their financial background.
Together, we can ensure that every child at DSD is given the opportunity to thrive.
Our vision is to provide a holistic education of a high standard in both German and English for all children of our society, in a Christian context, regardless of background, culture and religion, which will prepare them for a globalised world.
