The cohort of Nika Foundation beneficiaries at Masi High
This partnership is a holistic educational gem – four organisations working towards that single objective.
Nika is a NPO founded by John Saunders in Seattle to raise funds for the African Scholars Fund, Ikamva Youth, and MasiSports at Masi High. This year, John’s vision supports 82 Masi High learners. Please read the letter sent to each of his cohorts to gain a full understanding of this programme:
WELCOME TO THE AFRICAN SCHOLARS’ FUND NIKA FOUNDATION PROGRAMME
You have qualified for an award – CONGRATULATIONS!
Your award for the year is R2000
The first ASF payment of R1000 will be sent to your school in February
It is a requirement that you write to us: your letters will be sent on to your donor (Nika Foundation).
Make sure that you use it to pay your school fees, buy a uniform or pay for stationery or transport to school.
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR OWN LIFE
Keep up a high standard of work and set time aside to study often – every day, also over weekends. 50% in each subject is the least we require; aim for above 70% 😊 We encourage you to join the Ikamva Youth Programme if you need support with your academics. Read as much as you can – library books, newspapers and magazines – to improve your general knowledge and increase your vocabulary.
JOIN A MASISPORTS ACTIVITY
It is compulsory that you participate in any MasiSports activity at least once a week. It’s a great way for you to keep fit and develop skills that will help you in life. The coaches will keep us informed of your participation.
You will receive R500 mid-year to support your MasiSports activity
The second ASF payment of R500 will be sent if your June report is satisfactory.
Hand your report to the ASF Bursary Rep so that we can process your 2nd payment. We do not make payment without seeing your report, so the responsibility lies with you to ensure the Bursary Rep has received it to send on to the ASF. It will be returned to you, with comments and a reapplication form for 2026.
Now that you are in your FET phase, you have to start thinking about what you will do when you leave school. Make sure you attend the ASF Info Sessions & use the resources that we make available to you in the year. Remember that you are like family to us, and we want to see you succeed.
YOU MUST RE-APPLY EVERY YEAR!
Imagine being a recipient of this letter and what it means to an underprivileged learner! It gives the sort of financial, emotional, and positive boost that changes lives. John has just provided a container near the cricket nets that will house computers and provide a space for educators who will teach the learners needing academic support, after school.
Between us all we can provide a full education.
John has never lost his love of South Africa and is helping develop the next positive generation, like his late father, former UCT vice-chancellor Dr Stuart Saunders. His mother, Noreen, was one of the founding members of the African Scholars Fund in 1957.