About us
Akiva College is a vibrant educational community that upholds Jewish values and principles while wholeheartedly embracing students from all races and religions. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported.
Where we began
Our History
Umhlanga Jewish Day School opened its doors in 2012 as an Orthodox Jewish School. As the surrounding area grew, the school saw a need for community and inclusiveness. In 2016 Umhlanga Jewish Day School changed its name to Akiva College, a school with its foundation in Jewish culture and values, a school that welcomes all races and religions.
The name “Akiva College” reflects the ethos of its namesake, the famous, pious Rabbi Akiva who taught the importance of acquiring knowledge. The school’s motto, “Veshinantam Levanecha,” means “you should teach these words to your children” and comes from one of the most important Jewish prayers, the Shema. The prayer instructs parents to educate their children and to pass on knowledge. At Akiva College we aim not only to pass on Jewish and academic knowledge, but to instil values in our children that will equip them to contribute positively to the world around them.
13+ Years of History
Akiva College offers boutique, private education with a track record of over 13 years of excellence.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to inspire, nurture, and guide every student toward reaching their fullest potential
Principal's Welcome
Welcome to Akiva College,
At Akiva College, we take pride in offering a holistic approach to education that goes beyond academics. While we aim to impart knowledge, we also focus on nurturing the traditional Jewish values that are core to our identity. Our hands-on learning approach encourages each child to discover their individual strengths and passions, fostering a love for learning that will serve them throughout their lives.
We believe that education is about more than just preparing students for the future; it’s about helping them grow into well-rounded, responsible adults who contribute meaningfully to society. Our dedicated staff works collaboratively to create an engaging and supportive learning environment, where students are encouraged to connect with teachers on many levels.
To further support our learners, we continuously explore new and innovative ways to enhance their educational experience. Where needed, we bring in specialist support and work closely with these experts to ensure that every child receives the guidance and resources they need to thrive.
At Akiva College, we are committed to helping each child reach their full potential in both learning and life.
Warm regards,
Lynn Ducasse
Head of Jewish Studies Welcome
As the Head of Jewish Studies at Akiva College,
I want to share my perspective on the profound importance of Jewish education. I firmly believe that Jewish education extends beyond simply imparting knowledge about our traditions; it encompasses the vital task of instilling the values that connect our people back to Sinai.
Jewish educators hold the incredible responsibility of weaving together the values that form a strong Jewish identity. Our goal is to empower our learners to forge their own connections with their Judaism, allowing them to create a personal narrative that resonates with their unique experiences. We encourage them to engage deeply with G-d, the Torah, and the land of Israel, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose in their Jewish journey.
Together, we can inspire our students to embrace their heritage and cultivate a meaningful relationship with their faith, ensuring that the values of Judaism continue to flourish in their lives and in our community.
Warm regards,
Gilad Friedman
Programmes
Discover the diverse Akiva programmes, designed to inspire growth, curiosity, and a lifelong love for learning in every student.
