Education is the single most important factor to future success, not only on an individual level but as an economy and nation. Through their work and the Al-Noor Student Bursary Fund, Austell and the Al-Noor Foundation have helped numerous bright young South Africans pursue their educational dreams, including Durban resident and aspiring marketing superstar Zahra Soosi, whose passion and hard work caught the attention of the Al-Noor Foundation.
Zahra lives with her family in Durban. Zahra’s close-knit family has always supported her dreams of pursuing a career in marketing after falling in love with the fluidity of the field and the opportunities it offers. Despite working extremely hard in her schooling, achieving excellent results, and the unwavering support of her family, the financial reality of tertiary education still stood in the way of Zahra achieving her dream.
“I have always been fascinated by the facets that marketing offers. It is a dynamic field where I believe I can express my passion for innovation in a way that tackles real-world challenges,” says Zahra. “Even though my family has always emphasised the value of education and supported my aspirations to the fullest, the financial reality of tertiary education posed a serious hurdle.”
Determined to make her marketing dream a reality, Zahra began seeking out funding opportunities, eventually coming across the Al-Noor Foundation. Encouraged by Austell’s commitment to empowering individuals through education, Zahra took the opportunity and applied for and was awarded the Al-Noor student bursary.
“As much as I believed in myself, the relief that this opportunity has afforded me has given me the confidence I needed to really go after what I want. In the long term, I hope to make significant contributions to the marketing industry, a dream that the Austell Al-Noor Foundation was pivotal in shaping.”
Today, Zahra is excelling in her BCom Marketing degree at Varsity College Durban, where she has achieved several subject distinctions.
“The support from the Al-Noor Foundation has meant I can focus on my studies without having to worry about the fees. Their support has motivated me to aim higher in my academic pursuit. Beyond academics, they have given me the chance to grow my creative and problem-solving skills and foster my passion for learning with a sense of stability.”
Providing students with funding often means more than simply paying bills. For many, it removed an additional layer of stress and anxiety, allowing young, bright minds to thrive and take full advantage of the opportunities that tertiary education presents.
“I would advise anyone in the same position as I was to remain determined and proactive in their search. Stay focused on your goals, and don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance; it might just be the difference in achieving your dreams,” concluded Zahra.
Malcom X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” The Al-Noor Foundation believes in the transformative power of education and is steadfast in its mission to create lasting change in South African communities.
Stories like Zahra’s inspire the Al-Noor Foundation to keep going and grow their impact. To date, the Al-Noor Foundation has touched the lives of dozens of young people through this fund and hopes to make a difference in even more lives in the future. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for a bursary, you can do so here.
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