Students

“My journey into agriculture wasn’t exactly a straight line, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. It all started back in October 2019, at an orientation camp for vocational training. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, not quite knowing what to expect. That camp, in the beautiful mountains surrounding the Herold Meander Farm just outside of George, was my first real introduction to consider the world of agriculture as a career.

After the camp, I went back to my home town, Haarlem and vowed that what I have been inspired to do would start at home – taking it back to my community.

I registered for the Learning Academy Worldwide bridging programme. That was a crucial step for me, helping me solidify my foundational knowledge and prepare for more advanced studies. It wasn’t always easy, balancing the coursework with everything else, but I was determined to pursue this path.

Our bridging programme caught the eye of agriculture specialists and lecturers in the region – one of which was located in Stellenbosch, some 500km from my home town. Together with my fellow graduates, I was offered a full scholarship to study at Elsenburg – the most prestigious agricultural colleges in South Africa.

I am now in my 3rd year of study. The level of learning here is amazing. I’m constantly challenged and inspired by the lecturers and my fellow students.

I was recently honoured to have a new Learning Academy Worldwide entrepreneurship fund named: Tania Phillips Entrepreneurial Award. During the Seed4Africa Hackathon that was held in March 2025, three groups of students received the award.

My hope is that this will help other aspiring agriculturalists trusting that it will make a real contribution to the future of agriculture in our beloved South Africa and beyond.

I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given, and I’m excited to see where this path takes me.”