Algoa FM bursary lights up future of Walmer High graduate

01 Feb 2016 | Admin Author

Walmer High School graduate Asanda Yini has been given a head start for her university career through the 2015 Algoa FM bursary to the value of R85 000.

Yini obtained a university entrance pass in the 2014 matric exam, and will be studying towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Communication and Culture at Varsity College in 2015.

Algoa FM announced the award of the bursary in July 2014 during a school assembly of 1 500 learners at Walmer High School.
During the assembly Algoa FM also donated R65 000 to Masifunde Learner Development to equip the Walmer High School library with much-needed academic and reference books.

“We were very strict with the criteria for the bursary. The successful applicant needed to have a financial need, show academic potential, be involved in the community and/or extracurricular activities and needed to show the necessary character traits and potential to excel on a tertiary level. Asanda displayed all these characteristics,” says PR and CSI Manager, Jennilee Peremore.
Yini is raised by a single mother, and lives with her elder sister and nephew.
Her father, the family’s breadwinner, passed away in 2009 when Asanda was only 12 years old.

Her mother and sister are currently unemployed and the only regular household income is a social grant paid to her nephew.
Despite these challenges, Yini won first position in debating at the Walmer High School Internal Spelling Bee, as well first in their Debating contest.

She participated in Masifunde Learner Development’s Drama programme, in addition to serving as a class representative.
Although both her brother and sister matriculated before her, they were unable to further their studies due to the financial restraints; which means Asanda will be the first in her family to go to university, according to Peremore.
“Our bursary covers tuition for two years. Based on Asanda’s continued successful performance, Varsity College will consider providing her with a bursary for her final year of studies,” she adds.

Her class teacher, Xoliswa Apol, says, “Asanda is very dedicated, willing to learn and a hardworking person. She was one of our learners who went to Rhodes for future career planning as one of our chosen team of four. This bursary will have a positive impact on her since her mother is single and unemployed”.

Yini is described by numerous teachers at Walmer High School as a well-rounded, dedicated, hard-working person with a sweet soul and a drive to rise above her circumstances.
“Asanda is part of our programmes; she was performing in our drama play ‘The Legacy’ in the Athenaeum last year. Algoa FM chose a good candidate. My team will be in close contact with her too, so that we can support her wherever needed,” says the managing director of Masifunde Learner Development, Jonas Schumacher.
“We are confident that Asanda will be that pillar of hope to the learners of Walmer High School. Education has proven to have a ripple effect in impoverished communities.

“It not only benefits the person being educated, but also their immediate family and as a result they become a pillar of hope in their community, proving that greater things are possible regardless of difficult circumstances.
“However, obtaining a tertiary education entails much more than just the cost of the tuition. Food, transport costs, books and other requirements become a major expense and we therefore ask that the community show their support to Masifunde to help support Asanda and her family through this exciting new chapter where ever possible,” says Peremore.
If anyone would like to show additional support to Asanda and her family, they can contact Edem Foli at Masifunde Learner Development on (041) 581 2543 or edem@masifunde.org