Sando Trust fuels students education dreams

The Sando Bursary Trust is helping to change the lives of disadvantaged students through financial and mentoring support.

- ROSHAN ABRAHAMS

Since its establishment in 2007, the trust has supported young people from previously disadvantaged communities, particularly those from the “missing middle” — students who do not qualify for government funding but cannot afford higher education.

Based in the city centre, the trust is open to expanding its reach across the country.

Chairperson Shiree Frans-Sheldon said, “Sando was established in 2007 and it is based in the Western Cape and Cape Town specifically, however, we are open to expanding to other provinces.”

Ms Sheldon said the trust offers tailored support based on each student’s circumstances.

“Our mission is to uplift qualifying students from previously disadvantaged communities, notably those from the often overlooked ‘missing middle’ cohort — students who are not considered needy enough to qualify for government funding, but who are still unable to afford tertiary education,” she said.