Empangeni achiever looks for sponsorship
The 16-year-old Hoërskool Pionier pupil has an excellent academic track record and says the tour will open up valuable opportunities for him.
SELECTED to attend the Academic Achievers USA East Coast 2022 tour, Empangeni teenager Rudi van der Westhuizen is excited about this once in a lifetime opportunity and is hard at work fundraising to finance the trip.
The 16-year-old Hoërskool Pionier pupil has an excellent academic track record and says the tour will open up valuable opportunities for him.
He began his schooling at Heuwelland Primary School, where he was headboy.
‘I was excited when I received the invitation, as the tour includes some amazing destinations.
‘We will visit, among others, the following top universities: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT and Columbia, and will even receive lectures on relevant economic topics at three of them,’ said Van der Westhuizen.
‘There are also many museums on the list and there is an optional three-day add on tour which includes spending a day at NASA and visiting Universal Studios.
‘Our fundraising goal is R120 000, which will cover the cost of the 12-day trip and three-day add on, travel insurance, meals and other costs not included in the package.
‘I believe going on this trip will be a life-changing experience, especially sitting in on lectures at the universities.
‘I haven’t quite decided on a career path yet,but I would like to be involved in conservation as I believe it is important to preserve our natural resources and beautiful wildlife,’ Vander Westhuizen said.
‘I plan to continue my studies after school to obtain an accounting degree while working and doing articles at the same time.’
Van der Westhuizen and his family have planned a series of fundraising events and initiatives to help him generate the funds to cover the trip.Anyone who would like to support him can phone 079 7274428 or email angie13441@gmail.com
