3-year-old, Kyleigh ‘Milana’ Kista, from Benoni South Africa was diagnosed with a Complex Congenital Heart Defect at birth, and needs urgent, life-saving treatment in the US within the next 3 months.
Kyleigh’s condition, known as Tetralogy of Fallot with Pulmonary Atresia, VSD & Mapca was first described by Cardio-Thoracic surgeons as a ‘monster in her chest.’
“Kyleigh does not have the valve that connects the heart to the lungs, the arteries that are meant to be attached to this value is free-floating and underdeveloped and not connected to her heart. She has a large hole in heart and survives on 2 collateral arteries of which one has already started to narrow severely. This all puts a lot of strain on her little body.“ says Serina Kista, Kyleigh’s mom.
In her short life, Kyleigh has endured 3 open-heart surgeries and countless non-invasive procedures that have done little to remedy her warrior heart.
A second chance for Kyleigh
In November 2021, the Kista family’s ‘world came crashing down’ when they were faced with limited options to save their daughter’s life in South Africa.
As a last resort, doctors suggested that the family wait until Kyleigh’s organs begin failing, at which point a heart & lung transplant would be considered.
As there are a limited number of donors available, and the fact that this procedure has never been performed on a paediatric patient before, the family feared the substantial risk their daughter would be subjected to.
“Kyleigh would need to be condemned to significant suffering and damage to her heart and lungs before being admitted into ICU in a critical condition to be placed on a donor list and fight for her life with no guarantee of finding a donor in time “, says Kyleigh’s mother Serina.
In absolute desperation to save Kyleigh’s life, the family investigated alternative treatments, finally reaching out to the Boston Children’s Hospital in the USA for a second opinion.
Answering their prayers, doctors revised Kyleigh’s case and restored all hope that their beautiful little girl could be saved and have a better quality of life.
“They proposed an innovative technique to repair her heart, which they currently perform with great success at the hospital. They will use Kyleigh current anatomy and reconstructing her blood vessels in order to flow effectively through her lungs while also incorporating her collateral arteries as part of this procedure.” says Serina.
Time is of the essence to save Kyleigh
Understanding the urgency of the procedure, the hospital kindly offered a reduced rate for the operation, which is still an astronomical amount for the family without power or influence.
To fund the operation in the USA, estimated at R5 000 000 ($295,761), the family has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to appeal to the public to support their final and only hope to save their little one.
“Boston Children’s Hospital has given us new hope and we are holding on to this option with all that is in us. Without it, our little girl will never get the chance to grow up and have a normal, happy, healthy life.” – says Serina.
An outpouring of compassion
With overwhelming support from over donors both locally and internationally, over R4.7 million ($312 590) was raised on BackaBuddy, which has since been paid over to the medical facility in Boston!
The family’s visas have been approved and Kyleigh’s life-saving open heart surgery is set to take place on 24 March2022.
“We received overwhelming support from family, friends, colleagues and the community. Thank you for the heartfelt contributions, prayers and faith that Kyleigh will not only obtain the money for the procedure but will succeed through the procedure, bringing us to tears. We felt hopeless and alone but today we have so many people coming to Kyleigh’s rescue to help us give a future, an opportunity at life” says Kyleigh’s mother, Serina.
A mended heart
Kyleigh’s first operation, a cardiac cartherization, took place on 22 March 2022 at Boston Children’s Hospital.
During the 4 hour procedure, which ‘went even better than expected’ , Kyleigh’s arteries were ballooned and a stent was placed and dual supply was fixed.
With Kyleigh making a quick recovery, the final procedure to repair her heart and lung connection took place on 24 March 2022.
After 8 hours on the operating table, doctors declared the surgery a resounding success and Kyleigh was placed on a ventilator in ICU.
Fortunately, within less than 2 days of her surgery, Kyleigh was moved from the intensive care unit to the stepdown unit.
“Kyleigh’s recovery is astounding, it’s truly the grace of God!” – says Serina
‘We can breathe again’
Although Kyleigh’s surgery has been paid for, the fight is not yet over, Serina told IOL:
“Kyleigh will need medication after surgery. We are not sure what medication will be needed, they will advise us after the surgery is done. She will need annual check-ups and most likely a valve replacement when she is older.”
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far raised over R290 Million.
On the evening of 21 January 2022, Christeen Syffert (36) and her two daughters, Justeen (9) and Leanie (6) were involved in a serious motor vehicle accident on N17 Voortrekker Road in Alberton. The family was on their way home after seeing Christeen’s mom.
Paramedics arrived on the scene and found a car, a bakkie, and an SUV that had collided, according to an ER24 statement.
Christeen was trapped in her vehicle, and Justeen and Leanie lay on the ground a few metres away.
Tragically, Christeen died on the accident scene, and Lianie and Justeen were rushed to Netcare Union Hospital suffering critical injuries.
Justeen had bleeding on the brain and lung, injured her liver, and fractured her spine and leg. Sadly, a week after the incident, Justeen passed away from internal injuries and brain damage at Netcare Union Hospital.
As a result of the accident, little Lianie fractured her skull, injured her liver, broke her teeth, and suffered facial cuts as well as a dislocated jaw. She was later placed in an induced coma to allow her body to heal. Lianie has since been transferred to the pediatric ward at the Clinton Hospital, where her distraught father, Neil, watches over her.
“Lianie is doing much better but the road to recovery is still long and hard. She woke up from the seduced coma. Lianie had an operation on Wednesday, 2 February, where they inserted plates in her face. (She has lots of crushed bones on her face)” – says Christeen’s sister-in-law, Cornel Pretorius.
Mounting medical bills
To support the family, who doesn’t have medical aid, with their mounting medical bills, Cornel, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, which has since raised over R230 000, towards their fundraising target of R1 Million rand, to cover the families current and future medical costs.
More than 450 donors both locally and abroad have stepped in to help the family during this traumatic time in their lives.
“I would deeply appreciate you sharing their campaign with your network to help them receive the help I require. Please also consider pledging a monthly donation to enable their family to pay for their medical bills” – says Cornel
Speaking to Elzaan Pienaar at the Alberton Rekord, Cornel said:
“Christeen and Neil were married for 11 years. She was the most loving person who always wanted to help everyone as if it was a shoulder to cry on. She was the support pillar that kept the family together.
“We are going to miss Christeen’s smile and just everything about her. She was always so positive and giving. Her hands stood still for nothing.”
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R290 Million.
In January 2022, Matthew Hahm (11), Thorne Davids (10) and Alex Jacobs (9), from Parkwood, Cape Town, heard a loud dog’s cry after a free-roaming dog chased Bruno, Thorne’s puppy into the road where he was knocked by a car.
Without hesitation, the three children put Bruno in a car seat and walked 2km, each carrying a side of the baby chair, to Cape of Good Hope SPCA, to help the pup who was traumatised and in a lot of pain.
“Thank you to the wonderful SPCA who are doing their magic to ensure that Bruno is brought back to health and to the families of these children for raising what can only be described as angels.” – says Anthea
Pictured above: Bruno in his baby car seat
‘These children are our future’
“These children showed us something so incredible – an act of kindness from which we could all learn something special.” – said Anthea Scholtz, a massive fan of SPCA’s work, who has since launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to reward the ‘Super Citizens.’
Since the launch of the campaign, over R16 000has been raised towards the fundraising target of R20 000 which will be used to purchase much-needed school uniforms and stationery for the boys (Matthew and Thorne) and girl (Alex), as well as treat them to a day of their dreams.
“We want to ensure that all three children and their families have what they need to keep nurturing what are already very special souls.”
“The funds raised will go toward showing these Super Citizens exactly how wonderful their deed was and to shine a truly positive light on Animal Rescue. It’s a small act of kindness like this that adds up to something far greater than we could imagine. Let’s reward those that do so much good. These children are our future.” – says Anthea
Anthea has asked that funds raised be administered by BackaBuddy NPC, to ensure that funds are used for their intended purpose, and to provide full transparency with donors. Donors will be updated on the children’s progress, says Anthea.
A few messages from the 39 donors who have supported the children thus far.
“Thanks for inspiring us to take better care of our animal friends!” – Joseph O
“Well done boys, please stay the kind angels that you are protecting animals, Thank you to SPCA” – Danni
“So happy that these wonderful children have shown such kindness. I hope that their parents are beyond proud. ” – Caro Beggin
“So proud of you for taking responsibility and care for your puppy. May you all be blessed x” – Caryn Kennedy
“Such mercy, kindness and compassion displayed by these gentle little souls.” – Raksha
Update: Fun in the Sun
On Saturday 12 Feb 2022 the team at Super Citizens spent the most wonderful time taking the families of Thorne, Matthew, Alex and puppy Bruno out on the day of their dreams.
A sailing experience for eighteen people started the day of fun by spotting dolphins and other beautiful sea life. Add to that Ferris wheel rides and a day filled with great food – it all amalgamated into what was simply a beautiful experience.
The stationery has been delivered to the children and their uniforms are all ready for collection. This has served as a truly wonderful project to thank the three children for an unforgettable deed for their dog, Bruno.
Credits:
Waterfront Charters for the sailing experience
Bluebird Bespoke Travel for the chauffeured luxury vehicles for the families
Marc Shane Berman for the photography on the day
John Sanei, Shinnai Visser
Tarryn Kelly & Sanela Paisley (Super Citizens team) for all the help in networking to raise funds
Create a crowdfunding campaign
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far raised over R290 Million.
On 12 February 2022, Nadia Lewis (43), from Randburg, Johannesburg, took on the aQuellé Midmar Mile, swimming 1.6km to honour the memory of her son, Hanno, who passed away 8 years ago due to a rare form of cancer.
Hanno’s cancer journey
In June 2013, when Hanno was just 2-and-a-half years old, the happy and healthy boy, who was usually an endless ball of energy, struggled to make it up the driveway when playing with his dad, Tiaan (46), and developed a cough out of the blue that just wouldn’t go away.
Worried about their little boy’s health, Nadia and her husband booked the first available appointment at the paediatrician, who discovered that a mass was impacting Hanno’s right lung and obstructing his air flow.
Whilst in surgery to remove the mass, the Lewis family learned the devastating news that their almost 3-year-old son had a very rare and aggressive soft tissue tumor called Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma.
Hanno’s first round of chemotherapy
Adding to their heartbreak, Nadia, who was 8-weeks pregnant at the time had found out days before that she had suffered a miscarriage.
Despite encountering serious complications during treatment, Hanno braved chemotherapy for 8 long months, and was due to start radiation, when his cancer metastasized to his brain.
Hanno braved chemotherapy for 8 long months
“Hearing that our Hanno had terminal cancer shattered our hearts into a million pieces. We continued with his chemotherapy and radiation for a short while longer, until we decided to stop his treatments altogether, and focus on enjoying every moment we had left with our little man. It was the hardest decision we’ve ever had to make” – says Nadia
Surrounded by his parents, Hanno passed away on 19 July 2014, just three days before his 4th birthday; his little brother, Hugo was only 5 weeks old.
Hanno holding his baby brother Hugo. 5 weeks later Hanno died.
Finding purpose
In the year that Hanno passed away, Nadia began volunteering for Rainbows and Smiles, a non-profit organisation based in South Africa, which provides emotional, social and financial support to families and caregivers in need when a child of that family is diagnosed with a life threatening illness.
It is here where Nadia found her tribe, her ‘new normal’ and her purpose: ‘making a difference in the lives of these little humans fighting an unfair fight’
“When Bonni Suckling, the founder of Rainbows and Smiles, took me under her wing, I felt comfort in knowing I wasn’t alone. She understood the weight of the loss I had experienced, because her son Jed passed away from cancer, too. Her strength and the way she fights for the children we meet still moves me today” says Nadia
Keeping Hanno’s memory alive
The Rainbows and Smiles team and their extraordinary volunteers participate in various fundraising events to support the organization, which receives no government funding.
To keep Hanno’s memory alive, Team Rainbows, dedicates the Midmar Mile swim in particular to Hanno every year, as he had just learned to swim, 3 months before his untimely death.
Hanno learning to swim
What made this year even more special is that ‘non-sporty’ Nadia will be an active participant in this year’s event, and not only cheer from the sidelines.
Admittedly a bit nervous for the swim, Nadia, stepped out of her comfort zone to raise much-needed funds for Rainbows and Smiles through crowdfunding on BackaBuddy.
Since the launch of the campaign, over R32 000 has been raised with support from donors both locally and internationally, towards her fundraising target of R12 000, which will support the organisation and the amazing work they do.
“Hanno was so young and resilient. Even through treatment he wouldn’t stop playing, running, and jumping. He was, and still is, such an inspiration to me. I can hear him in the back of my mind cheering us on. I want to make him, and his little brother Hugo proud” says Nadia
‘No one gets left behind’
Staying true to the Hawaiian word ‘Ohana’, which means ‘family’, and the Lilo & Stitch, manta ‘no one gets left behind’, Nadia was joined by her Rainbows and Smiles collegues Bonni Suclkling, Zelda Wessels, Denise Towell and her close friend, Catherine Drysdale, as she braved her fear of ‘dark and murky waters’ for the first time.
The ladies, who have each played a role in Hanno’s life, and have provided tremendous emotional support to Nadia through her healing journey, each wore a letter on their swimsuits, which together, will spell out ‘Hanno’.
Nadia Lewis and Bonni Suckling at a Rainbows and Smiles event
“It is so special to have ‘Team Rainbows’ – my best friends – join me on this swim across a full dam. I know they have my back and I have so much love for them” – says Nadia
Support is always needed
Nadia hopes the public will join her, her team members, and the 14 champions swimming to raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles swimmers at the Midmar Mile this year, as the organisation is always in need of public support.
“As an organization, we are thankful for every donation, big and small, that we receive. We meet so many people on a daily basis who are going through the most difficult time in their lives fighting cancer. If we can be there to lend a smile, a helping hand or a word of encouragement, we know it means the world to them”
“A few months ago a social worker put us in touch with a mother who was staying in the hospital ward with her very sick little girl. It was the middle of winter and she had no sandals on her feet, no toiletries, just the clothes on her back. As a small gesture, we bought her a few pairs of warm clothes and fluffy slippers, and she fell to the ground, thanking me. As I helped her to her feet, I was reminded of how important it is for us moms to look after each other. That moment will stay with me forever.” – says Nadia
The Midmar 2022 was indeed a very special swim for our team, and we are super grateful to everyone who participated, donated, and cheered from all over the world. Your good vibes, love and support carried me through that dam. There was no way on earth that I would have given up! Not for all the tea in China! Phew, I made it! Word on the street is that I am now classified as an elite athlete. Regardless of my Midmar time
Special thanks to the BackaBuddy team for their support. We were so privileged to receive all the coverage we did through various media platforms, putting our little charity with the big heart on the map. Thank you to EVERYONE who donated and sent messages of well wishes to me and the Team. Thank you so much to each and every swimmer who travelled from a far to honour our children and their loved ones. Lastly to my besties (I am blessed with a few) , family, friends and acquaintances, your love engulfed me. I am honestly the luckiest chick alive – THANK YOU, says Nadia.
Almost 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer in SA every year
The need for cancer awareness is more important now than ever, says Nadia.
“Experts say that around ⅔ of cancers remain unreported and untreated, because of the socio-economic challenges we face as a country, and the lack of awareness around early cancer detection, particularly in children. This means that many individuals don’t get the help they desperately need in time” – says Nadia
Meet ‘Team Rainbows’
Thus far, 14 champions have come on board to pledge their support for Rainbows and Smiles at the aQuellé Midmar Mile. Collectively, they have raised over R56 000 on BackaBuddy:
Raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles
Members of the public can participate in sporting events, pledge their birthdays or simply sign-up to raise funds for Rainbows and Smiles year-round, by setting up a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy here.
How Rainbows and Smiles uses donations:
Distribution of grocery vouchers.
Providing basic clothing needs.
Craft days at the hospitals.
Assistance with transport for patients and parents to and from hospital by providing funds.
Assistance with medical expenses
Psychosocial holistic care.
Bead Bravery project and comfort room
Basic medical equipment, like ports, port needles and PPE.
Assistance basic sanitary ware like nappies, wipes and sanitary pads
Toys and activity sets delivered on a regular basis.
Paediatric oncology ward upliftment.
Sponsorships of workshops where top Dr’s collaborate in the field of Paediatric Oncology.
Awareness talks at schools and companies.
Contributing to funerals arranged for the precious children who have passed away.
Lastly, fuel to reach the hospitals and patients they support.
Connect with Rainbows and Smiles
Rainbows and Smiles is a community based, charitable foundation dedicated to providing emotional, social and financial support to children diagnosed with cancer or a life-threatening illness, and their families and caregivers.
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far raised over R290 Million.
Despite being diagnosed ‘profoundly deaf’ at birth and ‘clinically blind’ at the age of 48, Jennifer Pretorius (59) who lives in Fish Hoek, Cape Town, has always been determined to lead a full life.
At the age of 6, unable to attend mainstream school due to developmental issues, Jenny was sent to the Dominican Grimley School for the deaf in Cape Town, where she says the nuns cried when she couldn’t say her name.
Defying all odds, Jenny learned to speak without deaf sign language, and caught up to her classmates academically in just two years, with the help of speech therapy.
Jenny at 2-and-a-half years old – St Vincent School for the Deaf.
Although Jenny was thriving at school, another curveball came her way, when at the age of 10-years-old, her tennis teacher noticed she was having difficulty with her hand-eye coordination.
She was later taken to an optometrist, who noticed black spots in her retinas, but wasn’t able to give her a diagnosis.
Despite her worsening eyesight, Jenny never gave up on her love for sports as she got older. She played tennis, cricket, netball, badminton, hockey and could even ride her bicycle in those days.
“Nobody realised how bad my eye condition was. I just took on everything I wanted to do like all the other children did, and my parents encouraged me to take on new challenges.” says Jenny
A devasting diagnosis
At the age of 18, shortly after completing matric with exemption, Jenny was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa an incurable genetic retinal disease, which causes tunnel vision and night blindness. Combined with her lack of hearing Jenny is said to suffer from Usher Syndrome.
In her young adult life, Jenny joined the Navy as an administration civilian, ran for Defence and Fish Hoek Athletic Club, participated in half marathons, and rode horses at the Glencairn Equestrian Centre.
Jenny at 25-years-old – Foschini Half Marathon in Green Point
Sadly, as Jenny’s eyesight deteriorated further, one by one she had to let go of her passions including photography, as she would often fall down, accidents became more frequent, or she would be knocked by cars while walking.
After nearly 33 years of service in the Navy, Jenny was medically boarded in 2013 when her peripheral vision got so bad that she was unable to perform her office duties.
Adjusting to a new world
After being told by doctors that she needed to prepare for a life of total blindness and deafness, new hope came in the form of a life-changing cochlear implant that Jenny had inserted in 2019.
The device partially restored Jenny’s hearing – a major feat, considering that for 57 years she lived life in total silence.
With the help of the implant, and Jenny’s faithful companion, her beloved guide dog, Kaine, by her side, Jenny gained a little more important independence and was able to better navigate her surroundings and overcome daily challenges.
Jenny with her guide dog, Kaine
The pair were inseparable for 8 years until he passed away of liver cancer in August 2021.
“I was very excited to have a guide dog as my other half and companion. He was my eyes and ears. We were inseparable. He saved me numerous times when walking on the streets, especially when crossing the roads. With the sudden loss of my right-hand man last year, I felt incapacitated, lost, lonely, and vulnerable. He had a massive impact on my life giving me independence and security.” – says Jenny
Learning Braille will help Jenny stay connected
Without Kaine by her side, Jenny is afraid to walk alone, as it is difficult for her to distinguish between sounds. For the time being, Jenny’s life partner, Gerald has taken over the role of Jenny’s eyes and ears.
Jenny and her partner, Gerald
To make Jenny’s life a little easier, as her eyesight is currently less than 2%, and it would take about 3 years to get a fully trained guide dog to take Kaine’s place, her friend Debbie Holmes has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy to help Jenny learn braille.
“I met Jenny about 6 years ago in our local dog park. Kaine and my labbie Rambo, were quick friends and would spend hours playing together. While Jenny and I struggled to communicate at first, I soon learned that she could lip-read, and then we just clicked and she crept into my heart” – says Debbie
Jenny and Debbie share a special bond
As Jenny is now no longer able to read print books and newspapers, a device called the Braille Mantis Q40, estimated to cost R56 000 (about $3,600) including shipping from overseas, is what Jenny desperately needs to stay in touch with her loved ones and the world around her.
Since the launch of the campaign almost R100 000($6555) has been raised towards Jenny’s fundraising target of R180 000 ($11 800) with kind contributions from 49 donors both locally and internationally.
Braille Mantis Q40
With funds raised thus far, Debbie has purchased Jenny a 6dot Braille label maker, Dolphin magnifier, a Braille and screen reader PC program and a few other gadgets, to make Jenny’s life easier while she waits for her Braille Mantis Q40.
Any additional funds will be used for speech therapy sessions that Jenny is currently unable to afford.
“Jenny does not let her daily struggles and challenges define her, she has a beautiful soul and a kind, caring nature. I have never met someone who is so resilient and so passionate about life. No matter what she is going through, she always has a smile on her face and is grateful for each day. I hope the public will support me in helping Jen” – says Debbie
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R300 Million.
Nikhil Rathilall (13), a sharp and assured student from Muizenberg, Cape Town, has been selected by Crew For a Cause, a registered NPO and PBO focused on empowering disadvantaged students through education, for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend Bergvliet High.
Crew for a Cause is a growing community of like-minded South Africans, from all walks of life, who believe that small contributions from many can make a big difference in the lives of gifted scholars and help change their futures for the better.
Paying it forward, the members have made it their mission to fund the fees of several hard-working students, to lift families out of poverty, and provide a way out of desperate situations.
“Crew for a Cause was started with the idea that, through education, we can provide a child with the platform to better themselves and their communities and to do our part to change South Africa’s future for the better. Ultimately, we’d like to see them develop into role models and community leaders and go on to support their own families and friends.” – says Matthew Sterne, Director of Crew for a Cause
Nikhil, who is a top-achieving student with an aggregate of 80% for all his subjects, has a natural ability in mathematics and dreams of studying IT once he matriculates.
Support for a star student
As Nikhil’s mother works for an aircon company, and his father, who he admires greatly, runs a small operation making curries in their community, his parents don’t have the means to cover their son’s schooling fees at a private school, which would widen his opportunities.
Pictured above: Nikhil with his family.
“Nikhil’s resilience and his ability to always try his best, that’s what makes him stand out. His dreams and visions for the future are to make a difference in the lives of others. He hopes to see a country with equal access to opportunities and education one day.”- says Matthew
Stepping in to help change the life of this star student, Crew for a Cause has launched a crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy, to cover Nikhil’s first year of high school at Bergvliet High, a school he has always dreamed of.
“We know that he will always try his best and make a success of every opportunity he receives. He’s looking forward to taking part in new experiences and opportunities at his high school in 2022. If Nikhil were to receive a scholarship, we envision him sharing his cheerfulness, laughter, and optimism with all he encounters in high school.” – says Matthew
Since the launch of the campaign, over R9000 has been raised towards Nikhil’s fundraising target of R45 000, which will cover his well-deserved scholarship.
“This scholarship will enable me to have many advantages that I may otherwise not have. I commit to working hard and giving my best at all times. Once again I would like to thank you for your generosity” – says Nikhil
Crew for a Cause began in January 2018 with the idea that small contributions from many can make a big difference.
“We pool the money of our monthly members to create bursaries for promising high school students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. To identify the students, we partner with education professionals who travel to a range of schools in underprivileged areas and test 12-year-olds in English, Maths, Natural Sciences, and grit. Grit is essential to ensure the students persist through the challenging times they may encounter during high school. We see this as a vital process in building a stronger society. In South Africa, education is a means of lifting people out of poverty and providing a way out of desperate situations.” – Says Matthew
Create a crowdfunding campaign
South Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy has supported more than 10 000+ individuals and charities in setting up fundraising campaigns for medical fees, tuition and various causes in South Africa. The platform has thus far risen over R300 Million.
