believes that a single opportunity can change the trajectory of a child’s life,
unlocking their full potential. But opportunity alone is not enough.
It’s how you make the most of every opportunity that makes all the difference.

This is your opportunity

Amathuba Foundation

believes that a single opportunity can change the trajectory of a child’s life, unlocking their full potential. But opportunity alone is not enough. It’s how you make the most of every opportunity that makes all the difference.

Amathuba Foundation

 “In IsiZulu the word Amathuba means Opportunities”. 

The Amathuba Foundation believes that a single opportunity can change the trajectory of a child’s life, unlocking their full potential and bringing hope. But opportunity alone is not enough. That hope needs to be looked after and guided well, through mentorship.

Our Why

Imagine living and learning in two completely opposite worlds. The MENTEES who are part of our programme do.

 

Every single day they find themselves in a space that is worlds apart from the school and home environment they’ve come from, facing a range of obstacles that children of the same age in a privileged upbringing would never need to face.

When individuals feel misplaced and out of their depth, unhelpful thought patterns, negative self-belief and attitudes can develop that could come across as disinterested, ungrateful or entitled. 

 

When in fact, a young individual is simply struggling to find themselves and their sense of place. 

 

In some cases this can lead to a negative experience for the individual, or worse, the child being totally lost and broken.

At Amathuba our Mentors walk alongside and ‘hold the space’ for every one of the individuals in our programme. Understanding how they feel and supporting their individual growth. 


In feeling understood and supported, any individual can better make sense of themselves, own their unique potential and make the most of every opportunity that comes their way.

Our Unique Approach

Side by side Mentorship, from the age of 12 to 22 years old.

Triangle

A triangle illustrates our customised part-funding model. The three corners represent the Partner School, the Mentee’s family and Amathuba - we believe that all three corners need to play a financial partnership role.

 

Amathuba facilitates discussions first with the Partner School and then with the Mentee’s Family to calculate what the shortfall will be. We factor all the extra expenses into this picture and fundraise for this shortfall. 

Bridge

A bridge illustrates our specialised Mentorship Programme. Trained Mentors hold the space for our Mentees as they learn to straddle two very different worlds: home and school. 


Our Mentors work hard at showing up in both worlds in order to help our Mentees thrive holistically.

Scaffolding

In construction, scaffolding provides temporary support to a building while it is being constructed, renovated, or repaired. It is there to help ensure that the building reaches its desired height and strength without collapsing during the fragile stages of development.

 

Once the structure is stable and can stand on its own, the scaffolding is removed. 

 

Just as scaffolding supports a building until it is strong enough to stand independently, Amathuba’s Mentorship supports our Mentees from 12 years old to 22 years old.

Click below to listen to the voices and discover the thoughts of our Amathuba family

meet our mentors

A mentor is a mature and older individual, trained by (qualified) Amathuba, to walk alongside their mentee and build an authentic relationship with them.


meet our mentees

These are our students, ranging in age from 12-22 years old. We like to refer to them as Amathuba’s Experts, as they are the best at explaining what life is really like to walk in their shoes.

Donate

Your support can transform lives.
By partnering with the Amathuba Foundation, you help provide life-changing opportunities for learners to thrive and achieve their potential.

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Our EVENTS

These breakfasts are open to any Ladies and exist to create a sense of belonging and are an invitation to join the Amathuba Tribe.

Who doesn't love a great deal? The Thrivvy Sale is an annual high-end pre-owned clothing event dedicated to raising funds for Amathuba.

Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving that takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Get a coffee and Give an opportunity, is our slogan for the day.

Each year, we invite our Mentees, Mentors, and their families to come together for a day filled with connection, fun, and delicious food.

We like to say, "It is not about what you know but about who you know, AND who knows you." We offer our Mentees the opportunity to access and grow their network by introducing them to dynamic individuals from all walks of life.

Celebrating the generosity shown to us over the years and having an opportunity to say “thank you”. What an honour to host our Celebration Dinner with the greater Amathuba family - our Mentees, Mentors, donors, Frank Jackson Trustees, volunteers, sponsors and representatives from our Partner Schools.