DREAMS do come true and there are still mysterious modern-day benefactors, who like affluent sages and nobles of old, scout for worthy young talent to bless with the gift of education.
One such man is Johan Oldenburg (37), a former pupil of Richards Bay High School and now a successful businessman in the Netherlands and a firm believer in youth development and education.
Oldenburg commemorated Mandela Day by revisiting his old stomping grounds, where he handpicking three deserving Grade 12 pupils to bestow on them the opportunity of a lifetime – two full tertiary education scholarships and a golden ticket to Amsterdam to study under a renowned sous chef.
His choice fell on Hein Cooke and Fanele Gumede, who received full bursaries to venture into any desired field of study.
The company will cover all costs, including books, classes and accommodation.
Lucky lass Denice van Emmenis captured his attention with her passion for excellence and good food and she was chosen to sharpen her culinary skills in a two-week course under one of Holland’s top sous chefs.
Visiting the school last week to announce the winners, Oldenburg shared nostalgic memories of his time at Richards Bay High from 1992 to 1996.
He fondly remembered teachers who had impacted his life, with words or the (now obsolete) cane.
Oldenburg was born in Empangeni, but moved to the Netherlands after school where he furthered his studies, carved out a new life and steadily ascended the ladder of success.
When he returned to his old school for a trip down memory lane during a visit to South Africa, he felt a strong desire to re-invest in the educational institution where he spend some of the best days of his life.
This was the start of the Adam project launched by the Oldenburg-Bonsél company.
The fantastic bursaries will be awarded annually and will no doubt motivate students to strive for excellence, knowing that life-changing educational opportunities are within reach for those who dare to dream big.
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