Bursary trust grants youth with bursaries

The Mitchell's Plain Bursary and Role Model Trust (MPBRMT) awarded 16 new bursaries to local matriculants at its special awards ceremony at Glendale High School in Rocklands on Monday, June 16.

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The event was officiated by trust alumni Cindy-Lee Pienaar and Kyle de Koker, who grew up in Morgenster and Heinz Park, respectively.

Ms Pienaar, who matriculated from Beacon Hill High School and studied law, is a public prosecutor in criminal law at Khayelitsha Magistrate's Court.

Mr De Koker, a Woodlands High School matriculant, completed studies in sport management and education and now teaches at Bridgetown High School in Athlone.

The trust, which was founded following the inaugural Mitchell's Plain Education Forum summit in 2010, also marked 15 years of investing in academic excellence and breaking financial barriers.

"Fifteen years ago, this trust was founded on a bold promise that no learner from Mitchell's Plain or Philippi should be denied the right to higher education because of financial barriers.

"Since then, that promise has shaped lives, transformed futures, and built a legacy we are privileged to continue today," said trust chairperson Achmat Chothia.

Trustee Jeremy Michaels said the trust has awarded more than 600 bursaries and yielded 112 graduates since it was launched.

The 16 new recipients are joining 39 other Mitchell's Plain and Philippi youth who are at different stages of their studies, he said.