Spirit Education Foundation alumni, Maps Sinandile, believe the impact that SEF has had on their journey goes beyond financial support – it has helped development and progress in personal growth, self-discovery, and cultivated a passion for paying it forward. Now a 26-year-old senior graphic designer, Sinandile has carved out a space in the creative industry, all while staying true to the values and principles instilled during their time as a Spirit Scholar.
Finding a place in the Spirit family
Despite growing up on a military base, Sinandile always had a creative spirit, gravitating toward music, fashion, art, and anime. But while creativity came naturally, pursuing an education in the arts was not always a given.
They first encountered the Spirit Education Foundation when a representative visited their school. The meeting, held in the school library, felt casual at first, but in hindsight, it was an informal interview. At the end of the session, five students, including Sinandile, were handed application forms and the life-changing news that they had been awarded bursaries.
“It was surreal,” an elated Sinandile shared, reflecting on that impactful moment. “I don’t think I processed what had happened until I told my parents and sister. At first, I had imposter syndrome but then came relief and gratitude. I knew how much my family needed that assistance; it alleviated a ton of stress from my parents’ shoulders. I’m still extremely grateful.”
Thriving through support
With financial worries eased, Sinandile was able to fully engage in school, but the support of SEF extended far beyond tuition. Navigating school as a neurodivergent student (with Autism, ADHD, and Anxiety Disorder) came with its challenges, but the Spirit Education Foundation ensured that Sinandile had access to tutors and resources to develop a healthy routine.
“The Spirit Education Foundation was so encouraging. Having that extra support helped me find my rhythm. I even joined the Drama Club at school and won multiple awards at theatres like Artscape and the Playhouse Theatre.”
Beyond the classroom, Sinandile found inspiration in mentorship. One of the most influential figures was Danielle Dallas, a senior student at the same high school, who introduced them to intersectional feminism. This new perspective helped Sinandile become a more empathetic leader, which proved valuable when they served as SRC President in grade 11.
“I thrived in the SRC, and I was part of charity clubs like Dominic Interactive. These experiences taught me empathy and gratitude.”
A future in the creative world
After high school, Sinandile faced an uncertain path. Unsure whether to study drama or art, they considered taking a gap year. But then, an unexpected opportunity arrived; one that would once again change the direction of Sinandile’s life.
Sinandile continued: “This is one of my favourite stories to tell! If it weren’t for Spirit Foundation, I wouldn’t have studied. Out of nowhere, I got an email and a call from Cath from Pay-It-Forward, saying they wanted to fund my studies. They had received my name from Lynne and Tess of the Spirit Education Foundation since they were looking to sponsor students entering creative fields. That was CRAZY! I wouldn’t have studied without that name submission. WOW.”
With this new opportunity, Sinandile enrolled at the Concept Interactive Institute College, where they studied Interactive Graphics. The creative industry welcomed them with open arms, and today, Sinandile is a senior graphic designer, leading a team of developers, post-production experts, and social media managers. In addition to their full-time role, they also freelance under their brand, Noodle Design.
One of their proudest moments? Collaborating with Saskia Wiese, General Manager at Spirit Education Foundation, on the 30th-anniversary logo for the Spirit Education Foundation. This a full-circle moment that highlighted how deeply their journey remains connected to SEF.
Advice for Spirit Scholars
Having been both a recipient and an active contributor to the Spirit Education Foundation, Sinandile has one key message for current and future scholars:
“This Foundation will go above and beyond for you, trust me, I’ve seen and experienced it myself. You just need to be 100% transparent. If you’re struggling, have a conversation with them. I’ve collaborated with them on multiple occasions, and they genuinely care. They want to make sure you are in an environment that fosters growth. So be open to challenges, open to trying, open to change, and open to receiving.”
Dreaming of a future without barriers
Looking ahead, Sinandile hopes to see a world where bursaries like the Spirit Education Foundation are no longer a necessity; not because support isn’t needed, but because education should be accessible to all.
“I hope we reach a point where bursaries aren’t needed because everyone has equal opportunities and resources. But before that, we need empathy. I hope to grow my empathy so I can do more and pay it forward; just like it was done for me.”