Natural Talent Isn’t Enough
Thousands of exceptional students are awarded scholarships to South Africa’s most prestigious schools every year. But many of these children come from unbelievably challenging backgrounds and daily realities.
Their ability to thrive in this new environment is severely compromised – in spite of their remarkable talents.
CULTURE SHOCK
LANGUAGE BARRIERS
TRANSPORT CHALLENGES
ALIENATION & LONELINESS
POST-SCHOOL ANXIETY
ACADEMIC PRESSURE
LACK OF FAMILY SUPPORT
The pressure to perform academically and maintain involvement in other school areas was unsustainable. I was waking up at 4h30 to catch my first taxi and couldn’t study at night without falling asleep. I just couldn’t keep up with the others and I didn’t know where to turn for help.
– SHUKURU MENTEE
A Blueprint For Self-Actualisation
The Scholarship Student will receive the following:
ON-SITE, DEDICATED MENTOR
Dedicated specialist who oversees students’ general wellbeing and progress
FAMILY AND SOCIAL SUPPORT
Regular meetings to ensure a cohesive and connected support system
POST-SCHOOL PLANNING
University and career planning to ease the transition from high school to independence.
WEEKLY ONE-ON-ONE SESSIONS
Focused check-ins tailored to individual needs, goals and support required
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
Guidance on available school resources to resolve any areas of concern
SPORTS SUPPORT
Guidance on available training resources and opportunities
Our Founder
Fabrice Nahimana arrived in South Africa as an 8-year-old refugee. Placed into a children’s home, he struggled immensely to adapt to his new and unfamiliar landscape. Despite these obstacles, he found support, friendship and opportunity on the rugby field. A talented sportsman, Fabrice was offered a rugby bursary to Sacs High School at the age of 13. He moved into the on-campus hostel and entered an entirely foreign world, again. It was only when a parent of the school offered to mentor Fabrice, that he was able to embrace this life-changing opportunity. He credits the comfort, courage and confidence his mentor instilled in him, with his ability to defy the odds and embrace his full potential. Fabrice has represented South African rugby internationally and holds a BA in Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science. His mission is to empower scholarship students from disadvantaged backgrounds with the support, empathy and community they need to thrive.
Maximising Scholarship Benefits For All Stakeholders
STUDENT
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Fulfilled potential
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Holistic growth
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Post-school success
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Social support
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Community upliftment
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Access to opportunities
SCHOOL
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Social impact
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Enhanced reputation
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Risk mitigation
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Improved diversity
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Funding offers
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Data analytics
SPONSOR
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Social impact
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Enhanced reputation
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Risk mitigation
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Total transparency
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Scholar connection
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Data analytics
Mentorship for me is more than just a conversation, it is the blueprint to achieving one’s full potential. It is not just a relationship between an experienced individual and a mentee; it is a bond that transcends barriers and bridges the gap between aspiration and achievement.
- JORDAN MEYER
Scholarship Recipient and Shukuru Mentor
Give the Gift of Guidance
Shukuru relies on support from generous schools and sponsors to fund its mentorship programme. These contributions cover the programme operating costs and salaries of Shukuru’s dedicated mentors.
If you’d like to help us empower these remarkable young students to embrace their full potential, please contact us directly to learn more about our sponsorship opportunities.