The Federation of Wallonia-Brussels in Belgium has recognised the importance of education in South Africa and donated more than R250 000 to the Sizanani Mentorship Programme.

The official handover took place at Minerva High School. The federation’s Rudy Demotte handed the agreement to fund the programme to Brilliant Moyo, an 18-year-old top achiever of Mitzvah School.

The money would be used for bursaries in 2014 for three top achievers of Alexandra high schools who have attended Saturday and holiday classes at St Mary’s school in Waverley run by Linda Giuricich.

Demotte said they were sensitive to the lack of funding in townships where there was dedication and a will to succeed from pupils and teachers. “We decided to give financial assistance and it’s only the first step and hope in future we can assist again,” he said.

Demotte said they would like to involve other parties in the future. Giuricich said she was delighted by the federation’s assistance. “I am just happy we can help to uplift the children in Alexandra,” she said.