The leap from high school to university can be daunting, but for students in resource-constrained settings, it often feels impossible. Enter the Destiny Achieve Foundation (DAF), a student-led non-profit founded by University of Cape Town (UCT) students dedicated to turning “potential” into “placement” for South African youth.
Empowerment Through Mentorship
Founded in 2023 by third-year student Mathabatha Malete, DAF focuses on high school learners who possess the talent but lack the roadmap to navigate higher education. Currently partnering with Khulani High School in Langa, the foundation provides 50 matriculants with:
- Academic Planning: Assistance with study calendars and workload management.
- Career Guidance: One-on-one sessions to align personalities with subject choices.
- Leadership Development: Workshops designed to boost interpersonal skills and confidence.
“Life shouldn’t end at high school,” says Malete, who founded DAF based on his own lived experience as a first-generation student. “What they need to know is where to go, what is required, and how they can get there.”
Supporting the “Survival” on Campus
DAF recognizes that the struggle doesn’t stop once a student is accepted into university. The foundation has expanded its reach onto the UCT campus to help current students survive the “overwhelming” environment. These on-campus programs include:
- Peer Support Groups: Tackling the isolation often felt in varsity spaces.
- Professional Prep: Navigating internship applications and securing bursaries.
- Goal Setting: Helping students transition from being “enrolled” to being “empowered.”
The Results are In
The impact is already visible. Teachers at Khulani High School report a significant uptick in learner engagement and focus. By demystifying the university application process, DAF is successfully building a pipeline of students who are not just entering the workforce, but leading it.
