MEET THE SCHOLARS

Let our scholars share their stories with you.

Cherenzade

Growing up in Dukathole has been a real struggle. I met Jake and Auntie Beth when I was still very young and I'd like to thank them and everyone in DSF for changing my life drastically.

Once I have completed my school years I want to become a chartered accountant. I thank God every day for blessing me with such a huge opportunity. Once an opportunity is given you should grab it with both hands, since you never know when the next will come.

Jaydin

I never imagined my life being a success, although I believed there was hope in me. I was granted an opportunity which was being sponsored by DSF. I'm very appreciative for everyone who has helped me get through school. Although times may get tough and difficult, I believe to never give up but to push myself through all the obstacles that are troubling me.

My life has changed completely. Always believe in yourself, not others opinions. Invest it all and give nothing but the best.

Katlego

Growing up and watching my mother make sacrifices so life could be better for me was difficult. Being given this opportunity has been great and I would like to thank Aunt Beth for opening the door, and my mom for allowing me to take the chance.

I just recently received this scholarship, and I thought being a ‘newbie’ might be challenging, but everyone has made me feel welcome. When I grow up, I want to be a chartered accountant and possibly even the first female president of South Africa! When I'm older, I would also like to contribute to the DSF program to help less fortunate children. I am truly grateful.

Lyden

Growing up in Dukathole could be quite tough at times. We were surrounded by people abusing women and children, dealing drugs, committing theft and other crimes...We had to observe all of this negativity.

When I was four years old I met Auntie Beth (the most beautiful woman) and her son Jake (the tallest human we had ever seen.) They had a huge and positive influence in our lives. I give my blessings to them and all the other people who stepped in and made a difference. I'm very grateful for everything they have done and are still doing for us. I am very blessed to be part of this wonderful family. It's been eleven years and we are still going strong.

The question I often ask myself is "where would I be if I didn't grab this opportunity?" I would have been lost. Now that I have this chance I see my future self as a successful young man helping to keep this wonderful organization going strong.

Being part of this family has taught me a lot of valuable life lessons: "Don't let your past determine your future....Life isn't always fair so take the lemons life throws at you and make lemonade.... If you can walk, you can dance; if you can talk, you can sing."

Richwin

I have been a Dukathole scholar since kindertengarten and Auntie Beth and Jake are like family to me.

Four years ago Auntie Beth saw how I was struggling and how difficult my life was becoming and she found a great mentor for me. His name is Bob and he and I made promises to each other. He promised he would be there for me and not let up on me and I promised him to keep smiling and always do my best. Through all the challenges life throws at me I know I have someone special in my corner. I am very happy to be a Dukathole scholar. I couldn't imagine my life without it.

Here I am today in a great school and in a great position where I can look back and see that I've gone through tough times and defeated my fears. Chances are never given, take them like interceptions. So I'm grateful for what the DSF has done for me, and I will take every chance and I won't let it slip."

Rochell

I lost my mother when I was a little girl and life without her has been difficult. But Auntie Ellen and Auntie Beth reached out to me and now because of this wonderful program my whole world has changed.

I promised myself that I wouldn’t let my past determine my future. I worked hard to get where I am today, and I will grab every opportunity and make use of it. I have a bright future ahead of me and I want to thank God for blessing me. I want to thank everyone that has been with me on this journey and I promise that I will make them proud.

I'm sure my mother is proud of me and I will always make her proud. I believe that I will have a bright future. Thanks to the school that I'm in right now, I've learned to be an independent lady. Hard work determines a successful future, just keep believing.

Tshephiso

Just because I have a different path and face unique challenges doesn't mean I'm lost. When I step into a world of opportunity, I'm always excited to see what the day has for me. It seems as though just yesterday I was in grade eight, but as tiny as I was I grabbed opportunities and I'm still doing so today. I'm not letting any of them slide through my fingers. Thank you Uncle Bob, my mentor, for opening a door to a wonderful world that I can explore, for believing in me and for being inspiring and making it fun. Your enthusiasm is worth everything. DSF changed my life!

My Motto: When opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.

Wayleen

It has been about seven years that I have been in this amazing program, I have been through tough times, but I wouldn't be here without the support of DSF. Thanks to all the people who have taken me this far and especially my lovely mother, Aunty Ellen. I did not only promise her but also everyone who has invested their time and money in me, I will graduate and make them proud.

When I graduate, I want to open an organization similar to this one, in honor of the people that started this program and to change the lives of other children. Quoted by Mahatma Gandhi, "you must be the change you want to see in the world."