Alumni Profiles
Every learner who walks through our doors carries potential — but potential needs opportunity. The alumni featured below represent the lasting impact of your support. Though their journeys continue to unfold, each story began with access to a safe learning space, mentorship, and belief in their future.
Shane Sebastiaan
After facing personal challenges at school, Shane found purpose and encouragement at Enlighten’s library, where he discovered his love for reading and creative writing. He later worked at Mediclinic and began writing his first stage play. “The library became a safe haven and a pillar of strength.”
Yanga Maso
A graduate of Qhayiya Secondary School, Yanga used Enlighten’s library as a daily study space. He went on to study Engineering at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. “Without the library, I wouldn’t have kept up with school.”
Chestiano Louw
Chestiano joined Enlighten as a primary school learner, where reading biographies expanded his outlook. After serving as Head Boy, he trained in butchery with Shoprite/Checkers. “Reading at the library was a game-changer. It opened my mind to new possibilities.”
Sisipho Lifaba
As a teenager, Sisipho used Enlighten’s library and computer centre for homework and projects. She later served as Deputy Junior Mayor through a Trust-led leadership initiative and went on to work as a library assistant at Enlighten, supporting young learners. “It was a wonderful opportunity to give young people a voice.”
Nosiviwe Matikinca
Nosiviwe attended Enlighten’s extra-mural arts programme while at Qhayiya Secondary. She later won the Sasol New Signatures Art Competition and pursued Visual Arts at Nelson Mandela University. “I would not be where I am today without the support I received from Enlighten.”
Gary Felix
Gary discovered his love of reading and learning through Enlighten’s library and creative programmes. While working in hospitality, he completed a Diploma in Law through UNISA. “It really helped me throughout my school years with my overall education.”
Faith Mafiyo
Faith began attending Enlighten in Grade 3, strengthening her English and academic performance. She discovered her love for art and excelled in competitions before planning tertiary studies. “From the first time I walked into the Enlighten Library, I learned so much.”
Help Us Multiply These Stories
Each of these journeys began with something simple: a safe place to learn, access to books and computers, and adults who believed in a child’s potential.
Your support makes that possible.
By investing in Enlighten Education Trust, you are not funding programmes — you are shaping futures, building resilience, and opening doors that may otherwise remain closed.
Partner with us to help write the next success story.
