From Classroom Seat to Teacher’s Desk

Thando Vilakazi, is a young man whose journey with The Love Trust began when he was just a little boy in Grade 000 at Nokuphila School. Born and raised in Ndulwini, a small township in Thembisa, Thando grew up in a community where opportunities were few and far between. But from a young age, he showed signs of something special, a deep Kindness, resilience, and a heart for others. Nokuphila School became more than just a place of learning for Thando. It was a second home, a safe space where his potential was nurtured, his values formed, and his confidence built. The strong academic foundation and spiritual care he received set him on a path of purpose — one that would come full circle years later. In his final year of high school, Thando found himself staying after class to help his peers with Mathematical Literacy. The more he taught, the more he came alive. Without fanfare or even realising it, he had discovered his purpose. “I realised how much I loved seeing people learn.” Thando was not only equipped with a quality education but also supported in securing a bursary to study teaching — a pivotal moment that brought his dream within reach. Today, Thando has returned to where it all began. He now serves as an intern teacher at Nokuphila, giving back to the very school that believed in him from the start. Every morning, he walks the same corridors he once walked as a child, now standing in front of the classroom as a role model to the next generation. “The bursary I received changed everything. Without it, I wouldn't have been able to pursue my dream.” Thando’s story is a testament to the enduring impact of long-term donor support. This generosity doesn’t just fund school fees — it invests in futures, transforms communities, and shapes leaders like Thando.