The American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) Foundation has awarded a full scholarship to a student from South Africa’s previously disadvantaged community. This scholarship is worth in excess of R10,000 and AIFS is proud to be able to sponsor a suitably qualified Au Pair on this program through its association with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF). The NMCF has been in operation since 1995 and continues to make a difference to South African children. It recognises that the challenges will always exceed its capacity and funds, and this is one of the reasons it has moved away from once-off grants, to developing partnerships with communities and organisations such as AIFS. The NMCF focuses on areas of South Africa that are essentially rural and have limited opportunities for participation in international programs which allow society to participate in youth programs. The scholarship is aimed at applicants from historically disadvantaged communities. Applicants need to be at least 20 years of age, and be South African citizens in possession of a valid driver’s license. Furthermore, only applicants with post matriculation qualifications will be considered. Applicants also have to have at least 200 hours childcare experience, not including taking care of family members. The winner of the scholarship will travel to the USA free of charge and will also have their visa, program and study fees sponsored by AIFS. The students who apply for the program will be required to compile a portfolio consisting of: - A motivational letter which highlights the applicants childcare experience and why they should be chosen for this prestigious scholarship
- A portfolio of photographs working with the children they had cared for
- Childcare references
- Character references
- A copy of their drivers license
- Highest educational qualifications
- Medical and Criminal record checks
A shortlist of students will be compiled from the submissions received, and these students will be invited to a panel interview.
Bawinile Ledwaba was a previous winner of this scholarship in 2003. Click Here to read her testimonial.
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