“I am Mrs. Grace Zuma who studied at her late years in 1995. My dream was to further my studies, but I had no money. I heard about the CLEF bursary programme from Mr. Isaac Tembe [of Africa Foundation], who gave us forms and I applied. After a few days, I got a letter inviting me to an interview. When I arrived there I was so scared to see a group of people (interview committee) since it was my first time to be in an interview. After a few days, I got a letter informing me that CLEF has offered me a bursary. I was so excited, such that I did not sleep at night, my heart was jumping up and down full of extreme joy. In 1996 I went to Promat College of Education in Durban to further my studies. By that time I was 46 years of age. I enrolled there and I wrote a letter to CLEF about my journey to Promat College.
Every term end I would send my results to CLEF until I finished my diploma in 1998. Then I went to Nibela Primary School with my diploma full of confidence. In 2001 I was promoted to be HOD (Head of Department). I was so thankful to CLEF, because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have achieved my dreams. Now I am a pensioner and I enjoy my money every month. I have no stress. I am a happy gogo [grandmother].
It is not too late to achieve your dreams. Mandela once said, ‘Education is the key to unlock all closed doors.’ To young people: first things first, forget about things that won’t take you anywhere. Forget about drugs. Forget about friends who have no future. Hang around with people of your destination. Aim high in your life. The sky is the limit. Always pray to God.”
~ Grace Zuma
“To all the &Beyond fundraisers. The greatest gift that one can get is the opportunity to fulfil their career aspirations. A big thank you for putting in a lot effort in raising the funds. I know this sounds cliché, but no words can express how grateful I am. Your effort will make a huge contribution in creating more educated leaders and history makers in this country.”
~ Noxolo Sibuyi
To contribute to CLEF and help make a difference to a young learner’s life, click here.And for more information about Africa Foundation and its mission to support education initiatives, click here.