The gift of education
Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” At Acacia Global, we believe in education’s power, having supported students at Hope Initiatives in Namibia since our founding. We have recently started to work with a new partner that we’d like to tell you about.
MSC College in Bellville, South Africa was founded in August of 2005 to support disadvantaged students from the townships surrounding Cape Town. Many students that matric (graduate) from high school in the townships do not receive the education they need to succeed in a university setting, or do not have the financial ability to continue their education. MSC was established in Bellville to try to fulfill the needs of these students.
After meeting with Willy Watson, the managing director of MSC College, and Danelle Botes, the principal, Acacia Global realized that MSC would be a great partner in our commitment to education. The partnership would begin with Willy and Danelle vetting students who needed financial assistance to either begin or complete their studies.
Meet the three students that were identified to receive scholarships from Acacia Global:
Tembela Meturo
Tembi is a 26-year-old female with a 6-year-old son. She lives in Kraaifontein, which is outside of Cape Town, and is self-employed selling clothing and perfume. Tembi is being awarded a full scholarship as she works for a diploma in project management. Her dream is to have her own company and be able to equip others with the skills to better their lives and that of their families. Tembi said, “In 5 years, I see myself as a project manager, walking tall, knowing that I have made it and am able to pave the way for others.”
Kwanele Klass
Kwanele is a 23-year-old man living in the township of Khayelitsha. Kwanele has completed two years of a three-year marketing degree at MSC, but due to financial constraints was not able to complete his final year. Kwanele has a very big personality and is the first to say that he “lights up a room!” He loves soccer, reading and computer games. After completion at MSC, Kwanele would like to further his studies in Public Relations. In five years, he pictures himself working for one of the premier Public Relations firms in the country; he would also like to become a job creator rather than a job seeker. Acacia Global is proud to be able to assist Kwanele in his final year at MSC.
Nandipha Mhlaluka
Nandipha (her name means Pretty) is a 24-year-old female living in the township of Khayelitsha. Pretty is working to complete the final year of a two year certificate in HIV/AIDS Management. Pretty had to discontinue her studies at MSC to travel to the Eastern Cape to take care of her ill mother. Pretty’s father passed away from AIDS when she was 6 years old. With the bursary from Acacia Global she will now be able to fulfill this dream. After receiving her certificate from MSC, Pretty would like to set up her own campaign so more people can be tested for HIV/AIDS. In ten years, Pretty would like to be a professor in the Social Studies department. Pretty, who loves to sing and dance, is a part of the MSC musical group.
Bono said: “Some of Africa is rising and some of Africa is stuck. It’s a question of if the rising bit will pull the rest of Africa up or whether the other Africa will weigh the continent down. Which will it be?”
Acacia Global is committed to do what we can to raise Africa by doing our bit. With your help we can work to educate the youth of today so they too can help raise Africa tomorrow.