Mohamed Tahir Samie views education as more than just showing up and attending school. To Samie, it is about seizing opportunities, overcoming challenges, and building on something tangible that once seemed uncertain. From an early age, he knew that access to quality education would be the key to realising his full potential, but as with many other great plans and dreams, the constraints of immediate access to money made it difficult for Samie to have hope on his path ahead. This hope was buoyed when Samie’s path crossed with the Spirit Education Foundation, which set him on a trajectory that would shape his academic career and overall outlook on life.
From Claremont High to leadership on and off the field
Samie attended Claremont High School, where he discovered his passion for sports and leadership. A natural athlete, he immersed himself in rugby and swimming, eventually becoming the school’s first-ever rugby first-team captain. Before this, Claremont High would train with Westerford High, but when Samie was in grade 10, Claremont fielded their first U18 side, which he captained.
During this time as captain, he learnt valuable lessons in responsibility, dedication, discipline, and teamwork, all qualities that would prove essential in his later years.
Beyond the confines of school, he developed a love for the outdoors; whether it was running on the beach, hiking, or hitting the gym, Samie thrived in active spaces.
Discovering the Spirit Education Foundation
In Grade 7, while seeking bursary opportunities, Samie came across the Spirit Education Foundation. Applying for the bursary was a leap of faith, but receiving it changed his life.
“This bursary completely changed everything,” Samie said. “It gave me financial freedom and allowed me to attend the school I wanted to. The Spirit Foundation was always there for me when I needed them; from something as small as stationery to larger, more expensive items like books.”
Beyond financial support, the Spirit Education Foundation offered mentorship, workshops, and personal development programmes that helped Samie grow beyond the classroom. Whenever he struggled with a subject, the Spirit Education Foundation ensured he had access to extra lessons. These interventions significantly impacted his ability to focus on his studies without the added stress.
Lessons beyond the classroom
One of the most significant aspects of the Spirit Education Foundation’s support was its focus on holistic development. Samie credits the workshops and mentorship programmes for preparing him for tertiary education and life.
“The lessons I learned through the Spirit Education Foundation were priceless. They taught me skills that shaped me into the young adult I became. I would be in a very different situation without those mentorship programmes.”
These lessons were invaluable when he enrolled for his tertiary studies, determined to build a career that aligned with his passions, Samie pursued a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Media Leadership and Innovation at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). His hard work and dedication paid off when he was awarded the Top Achiever Award in his course; a recognition of his drive to be best-in-class.
Giving back to the organisation that gave him everything
For many bursary recipients, the relationship with their sponsor ends after graduation. For Samie, however, his road with the Spirit Education Foundation was far from over.
He now works for Warwick Wealth, a company under the Spirit Invest Group; the same group that funds and supports the Spirit Education Foundation. Indeed, this is part of a full-circle moment (Tahir or Samie?) treasures.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to now work for the company that put me through high school. I get to give back to the Spirit Education Foundation that has given me everything.”
Working within the Spirit Invest Group, he is surrounded by a network of professionals who share the same values of growth, mentorship, and impact. Samie is proud to be associated with an organisation that invests in the future of young people, and like the impact it has had on his career, he hopes to add value from within the company.
Advice for future Spirit scholars
Samie has one key piece of advice for current and future Spirit Education Foundation scholars: “Take every opportunity you get and make the most of it. Many students would love the same opportunities as Spirit Education Foundation Scholars. “It’s an honour to be part of this prestigious organisation, and the only job you have is to make everyone who works at the organisation and yourself proud. This is truly a dream come true for me. The Spirit Invest Group is my home away from home, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.”