Hoërskool Noordheuwel learner selected to tour the USA
Anandi Cilliers has been chosen to be part of the Top Achievers tour in the USA but needs the community's help to get there.
At just 15 years old, Anandi Cilliers is proving that hard work and determination can defy borders.
Having been a top achiever since primary school, Anandi’s academic excellence has now earned her a lifetime opportunity: To represent her school and the country on the 11th annual Academic Achievers Tour.
The tour is scheduled to take place during the 2026 September/ October school holidays in the United States of America. The Grade Eight learner at Hoërskool Noordheuwel described this opportunity as something she has always dreamed of.
During this tour, she and other scholars will have the opportunity to attend private lectures, where she will gain firsthand experience of the academic excellence on offer.
They will also visit highly ranked universities, immersing themselves in the intellectual atmosphere, and explore some of the iconic sites, taking in the rich history and culture that it embodies.
“I have been very consistent and worked hard to keep my grades above the standard,” she said during an interview with the Roodepoort Record, adding that her favourite subject is Natural Science.
“This opportunity means that I’m being recognised, and it motivates me to keep on working hard so that I can apply for scholarships and bursaries in the future,” she said.
Anandi’s mom, Bianca, also expressed her extreme pride in her daughter’s achievement, saying she has always been a go-getter and has been consistently excelling, earning praise from teachers and peers alike.
“She’s a young girl with big dreams, and this trip will open doors for her that she never imagined. She will also be inspired beyond borders,” she said.
While this opportunity is a dream come true for Anandi, it also comes with a hefty price tag. The costs of travel, accommodation, and educational activities in the USA are beyond what her family can afford alone.
The family has started a BackaBuddy account, pleading for the community’s help in making her dream come true.
For more information, visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/anandi-academic-achiever-tour.
