120 learners get empowered as St Anthony’s honours McAlpine Foundation

St Anthony’s Education Centre celebrated the generosity of the Roy McAlpine Charity Foundation on October 31, unveiling a commemorative plaque in honour of the foundation’s bursary and skills training programme.

The initiative has already benefited 120 learners, providing them with education and practical skills.
The foundation focuses on supporting previously disadvantaged communities, with an emphasis on education, healthcare, and early childhood development.

St Anthony’s became a beneficiary in 2025, receiving bursary sponsorships for 120 learners and smart boards for select classrooms to improve the learning experience.
On October 31, the foundation’s board members toured the centre, where they met learners who benefited from the bursaries.

A board member, Anne McAlpine, unveiled the plaque, and Father Aaron Nakufa blessed it.
In her address, McAlpine expressed the foundation’s pride in supporting the programme: “What is special about the St Anthony’s programme is that it deals with the problem at the grassroots level.

“It is teaching people skills they can use to grow and earn money with. So, it is a starting block. But it is serving people who might otherwise not have a chance to get a foot on the rung. We are proud to be part of it, and this establishment has been operating for many years; it is a great privilege.”

The day also included a walkabout of the centre, showing board members the lives their donations are touching.

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Learners were eager to share their experiences.
Enathi Maxaba, a beneficiary, said: “When I came here, I could not afford my studies. Fortunately, I became a bursary recipient, and I learnt merchandising and other practical skills. I met new people and received support that helped me as an orphan. This is a blessing I will never take for granted.”

Centre manager David Prinsloo highlighted the programme’s long-term benefits.
“This partnership continues to strengthen our mission of empowering learners. Skills development is at the heart of what we do, and with the support of the Roy McAlpine Charity Foundation, our students can aspire to better futures and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”

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