The Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation provided a grant of £20,000 in 2007/08.
Waterford Kamhlaba School is based in Mbabane the capital of Swaziland in Southern Africa. It is a secondary school and has over 500 students from over 50 countries, of which 75% are from Africa. 30% of the children are only able to attend as a result of bursary provision
The school provides an outstanding education and is considered to be a beacon of academic excellence in the region. One of its main priorities is the provision of education specifically to exceptional African children of great talent and ability but who are financially disadvantaged and who have experienced extreme hardship. A number are orphans or come from refugee camps or countries torn apart by wars. Without bursary provision they would normally be unable to realise their true potential – or in some cases would not have access to any education at all. Poverty, unemployment, deprivation, violence, corruption, natural disasters such as floods and drought and now the HIV and AIDS pandemic have ravaged the continent and Southern Africa in particular. Africa desperately needs educated citizens who can help build a better future. Waterford is committed to helping in this process and has a strong track record in achievement.
The Rufford Maurice Laing Foundation is funding bursaries for three International Baccalaureate students from Ethiopia, Angola and Zimbabwe. They are all hugely grateful to the opportunity that they have been afforded by the provision of this support. As one student says “Thank you for giving me the push of hope. Thank you for helping me chase after my dreams”.