Ubuntu Education Fund

The South African national hero, Nelson Mandela, wrote his hopeful and difficult journey to freedom in a book of this title. He was in prison on Robben Island when he wrote it, circulating chapters and sections of it throughout the prisoner population. An exprisoner, who was our guide when we visited Robben Island in March, told how very carefully this clandestine and dangerous activity was carried out. The school notepad  pages with their smudgy pen writings were shuffled, passed from cell block to cell block, hidden and handled like gold, telling the dramatic story of the passionate bid for freedom by this and many other warriors. The story Mandela wrote, chapter by chapter, brought courage and hope to the many political prisoners of Robben Island as they lived through endless hopeless days.

Today, the 10 young South African students currently supported by your donations, are courageously walking this dearly purchased long road of equal opportunity.

Listen to the students making these comments:

 My dream is to be a better person in life, build my family a place to stay, a home. Right now since Im doing Electrical Engineering  training, it will be one of my biggest achievement. I am thankful for the support that I've received from different people and family in order for me to continue with my journey.

I've had a lot of discouraging moments this year, especially with my schoolwork. I've been struggling with juggling assignments, studying, and deadlines. I even had to repeat a module because of some errors at school. It was really tough, and it was even worse since the module was a prerequisite that blocked my 3rd year modules. I really felt frustrated and stressed, but I got through it.

The most encouraging person in my long journey to completing my training/education has been Mem Mbongwa. Her support, guidance, and belief in me has been keeping me grounded .Her support keeps me motivated and focused on my goals.

I always dream of being a qualified electrician so that is what I am working on at the moment. My best achievement is that I finished  N6 in Electrical, got my driver's license and I am planning on getting my Diploma  in Electrical Artisan very soon

 I’m so grateful for everything my family and Ubuntu Partners  have done for me . You have been so helpful to me towards my career path , and for that I'm super thankful. What I hope to achieve in life is a diploma in Public Management and get a stable job   so that I can  be able to help others as I have been helped.

Sometime difficult times come along but giving up is not an option. Sometimes I would stay without food for days but because of the success that I am looking for I would have to make a plan to get something to eat. It  was very difficult.

These beautiful young people, many orphaned by HIV AIDS , are the first generation of their families to be educated, trained and eligible for productive jobs.

                                     Nelson Mandela would be proud!

How better can it get than partnering with young South Africans like these?  Please take a moment to feel the satisfaction that comes when you can see that you’ve made a difference in these young people’s life.

Big thanks for your support from us at Ubuntu Education Fund.