Shenise Stuurman

Shenise Stuurman hails from Kranshoek where she also went to primary school. She went on to Plett Secondary and then completed a three year diploma in Business Management at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in George. After graduating she finished a one year B Tech degree in Business Management [Cum Laude] at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth. She gained work experience by assisting the Born in Africa administration department in Plettenberg Bay and now works as an intern at the Bitou Municipality in the Treasury department.

Shenise wrote the following letter addressed to everyone at Born in Africa, their sponsors, mentors and volunteers: - 

"I don't know how will ever be able to thank you, but for now all I have is these words.  A few years ago when I was still in primary school I got accepted into this programme called Born In Africa and wondered what it was all about. I never in a million years could have dreamed that they would do all this for me. Born in Africa helped me all through school with school uniform, stationery and mentorship classes and when I finished high school they sent me to university. I went to study a diploma in Business Management at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Saasveld for three years and did very well. I got merit awards for all three years I attended the Saasveld campus and graduated with my diploma cum laude in April 2014. Then I went to NMMU Port Elizabeth to study my Bachelor of Technology degree in Business Management and despite all the difficulties I experienced, I passed my degree cum laude and was identified as part of the top 15% achievers in my field of study. Born in Africa paid for all my expenses while I attended the university for the four years. I am grateful for all that the organisation did for me and I encourage all the students of Born in Africa to do their best and make the organisation proud. Thank you Born in Africa - your contribution to my life made a world of difference. I am a qualified and educated young lady and it is all thanks to you and our Heavenly Father. All my love. Shenise"