Maphutha Secondary School in Mayibuye will embark on a campaign to raise funds for Bonolo Mashego in Grade 11 who is set to jet off to the USA on a leadership programme scholarship in July.
Principal of the school, Kwena Nthlane, said the school is excited that one of their own is travelling overseas. “We are looking forward to raising funds for her. Let her go and fly Maphutha’s flag in the USA,” Nthlane said.
Mashego applied at the Louis August Jonas Foundation for the Camp Rising Sun leadership programme, competing with applicants from 30 other countries. She is one of 60 young females from across the globe who has been awarded the scholarship to attend the month-long summer leadership camp. Campers from outside the US will be guests of alumni and the families of New York area campers for one or two days before camp begins. Campers involved in the programme learn decision-making, organisational and problem-solving skills while strengthening their notions of teamwork and group identity.
“You should be proud of how well you represented yourself in your application and interview. You will receive a letter from the foundation that you will need in order to apply for a US visa,” said the programme director at the foundation, Janessa Schilmoeller. Deadlines for scholarship acceptance is March 3 and all participants of the camp are expected to arrive in New York City by July 28.
Last year, Maphutha also raised funds with the community of Mayibuye for a youngster who was awarded a student exchange programme in Australia. “The school feels honoured to have another learner qualify for a trip overseas. We know it hasn’t come easy but after rigorous testing and assessment, she made it,” concluded Nthlane.
The school will communicate details of the fundraising campaign as soon as the governing body has met to discuss the matter.
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