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American support changes young lives in the Eastern Cape

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Twelve beneficiaries currently receive educational support from an American funder via Tangible Africa, an engagement project of Nelson Mandela University Computing Sciences Department and the Leva Foundation non-profit organisation.

Prof Jean Greyling, Tangible Africa Founder and Associate Professor at Nelson Mandela University Computing Sciences Department, said the support received has been ongoing for learners and students strong in STEM.

“I have been actively involved in raising bursaries for students and learners for nearly 10 years and I am convinced that well-managed educational scholarships must be the most effective way not only to impact individuals, but to change the trajectory of families and communities,” said Greyling.

At the end of last year, Amazon Vice President David Brown committed a substantial amount from his own pocket towards bursaries managed by the Leva Foundation and Tangible Africa.

Brown currently supports four Grade 10 learners from Daliwonga Senior Secondary School in Cofimvaba who have come through Tangible Africa’s coding club in Tsomo; four Grade 10 learners at Alexander Road High School in Gqeberha who have come through Tangible Africa’s coding clubs in the city; two second-year and two first-year students doing Computing Sciences degrees at Nelson Mandela University as well as a PhD researcher who is investigating the impact of unplugged coding on primary school Mathematics.

Seattle-based Brown, an Alexander Road High School alumnus and BCom Honours graduate from Nelson Mandela University, is a long-time supporter of Tangible Africa.

“Tangible Africa is one of the groundbreaking initiatives pioneered by The Leva Foundation. I have personally witnessed the impact of this programme, which has enabled us to identify naturally gifted young programmers among students who might otherwise never have discovered their talent. It is an honour to be able to contribute to some of their sponsorships, opening pathways to university degrees and careers in technology,” said Brown.

Kieran White, a student in Computer Sciences at Nelson Mandela University, said the impact of the bursary is immeasurable. “David has changed my life in ways I can't describe, and I can’t imagine where I would be right now if he had not offered to sponsor my studies. He isn't just a silent figure in the background, though. He takes an active part in ensuring that I am coping with my studies and life in general. He does this by regularly checking up on me and providing assistance where he can. He is truly an incredible man and role model to me,” said White.

John Emery received funding to study BSc Computer Sciences at Nelson Mandela University this year and is excited to start his studies. “The financial relief [of the bursary] is massive and the burden of me studying further has been lifted. I'm incredibly grateful to be given the opportunity to better myself. On a personal level, the understanding, compassion and commitment shown by Mr Brown and the Leva Foundation, has had a huge impact on me. It has shown me that faith, hope and trust do exist. And that exceptional people of value do exist. I hope that in some manner I can ‘pay this forward’ one day,” said Emery.

Corban Olivier, a BCom student in Computer Sciences and Information Systems, also wants to pay it forward one day: “Having been introduced to Tangible Africa’s coding games in Grade 9 sparked my interest in coding. I am grateful for the bursary as it affords me the opportunity to merge my interests in Business and Computer Sciences. The scholarship also allows me to meet other people who are passionate about making an impact on their communities through Computer Sciences,” said Olivier.

In Tsomo in the rural Eastern Cape, Tangible Africa’s Future Skills Programme Coordinator Lusanda Maqungo reports that the four Grade 10-learners who had been part of the Tsomo Academy since Grade 6, will again this year receive tutoring and mentorship in Mathematics, Coding & Robotics and English.

“This support gives them a strong foundation. Thanks to the investment and guidance of the David Brown bursary scheme, these learners have emerged as promising young scholars with bright futures in STEM fields,” said Maqungo.

Leva Foundation CEO Ryan le Roux was also grateful to Brown for investing in the Eastern Cape’s talented youth.

“Leva Foundation works towards getting people active in the economy. We encourage companies and individuals to partner with us in this. By registering an NPO in the USA, we have created an ideal platform for people like David.”

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