How it all started
We are two passionate teachers, united by a shared dream of opening doors to exceptional educational opportunities for students who have been overlooked or underserved. We're fueled by the power of stories - stories of resilience, hope, and triumph that inspire us to make a difference.
Our journey began when we encountered talented, bright, and ambitious students who, despite their remarkable character and thirst for knowledge, were denied access to quality education due to circumstances beyond their control.
We saw firsthand the devastating impact of systemic barriers and the profound potential that lay untapped in these students. As our work deepened, our vision expanded, and we became increasingly convinced that every student deserves a chance to thrive.
That's why, in 2019, we founded the Amathuba Foundation - a beacon of hope that shines a light on the untapped potential of our communities and ignites a passion for learning that will change lives for generations to come.
Our Mission
We exist to facilitate opportunities for learners at educational centres of excellence. The purpose of these opportunities is to bring out the best in these individuals by placing them in an environment in which they can thrive. The stories of these transformed lives will, in turn, inspire their families and greater communities, with the hope that one day these learners will themselves be in a position to make a contribution to social change in South Africa.
Today, the Amathuba Foundation exists to facilitate and deepen opportunities through partnerships with excellent high schools in Kwa-Zulu Natal. We believe that through quality education, young people can thrive and not simply survive.
We practice a part-funding model. The partner school, the Amathuba Foundation, and a learners’ caregiver are all responsible for funding a learner’s high school years.
We believe in mentorship. A successful opportunity is not fully realised through funding alone. Real success is measured by how much a learner feels a sense of belonging within their learning space, where they can truly thrive. Which is why, through relationship, we can show learners that “how you feel matters”. This is why we invest in constant relationship building and mentorship where our recipients are given a voice. We don’t believe any recipient should simply ‘say the right thing and appreciate the opportunity’ and assimilate to their environment. Our B-CRIGG mentorship programme, offered by young adult members of Amathuba and in partnership with champion teachers, runs congruently with the academic programme for the five years of their high school career.
We believe in the power of sustainable generosity, whereby those afforded an opportunity, uplift communities, and bring about social change in their country. We believe that opportunity has a multiplier effect. The Amathuba Foundation, therefore, welcomes the involvement of past beneficiaries in our programme as active participants in our programme.
We value a culture of feeling “I belong” and “I am a part of something much bigger than just me.”
We value kindness, big-heartedness and empathy.
We value real, meaningful connections through consistent communication.
We value honest feedback and answers, and excellent stewardship.
We value the power of thankfulness and the perspective it brings.
We recognise the value of “being a contributor” in life, and how generous living is spacious and free.
