Bursary Recipient Spotlight: Amirah-Fadeelah Stellenboom
For Amirah-Fadeelah Stellenboom, a first-year Bachelor of Social Science student at the University of Cape Town, the first semester of university has been a journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. While the transition brought moments of uncertainty, it also opened the door to new opportunities, lifelong friendships, and a clearer vision for the future.
Arriving on campus for orientation was both exciting and overwhelming. Surrounded by students with the latest technology and resources, Amirah-Fadeelah found herself worrying about whether she would have the essentials needed to succeed.
“For most of my life, I have always been aware of my family’s financial situation and the sacrifices that had to be made,” she shares. “One thing I never expected was the privilege of not having to constantly check fee statements or worry about whether payments would be made on time.”
Thanks to the support of the JDK Benefit Trust, those financial concerns were lifted, allowing her to focus on what truly mattered—her education.
“Because of the bursary, I was able to focus on my studies instead of financial stress, and that is something I am deeply grateful for.”
The transition to university also brought academic and personal challenges. Entering a new learning environment where many students seemed familiar with concepts and terminology she had never encountered left her questioning whether she truly belonged. At the same time, finding her place socially proved difficult, and the early weeks of university were often marked by loneliness and uncertainty.
Before classes even began, Amirah-Fadeelah also faced the disappointment of not being able to pursue Economics as a major after narrowly missing the required Mathematics mark. Unsure of what this would mean for her future and her bursary, she found reassurance in the encouragement and support she received from the Trust.
Rather than allowing the setback to define her, she embraced new opportunities and discovered a passion she had not anticipated.
Looking back now, that setback led me to discover what truly interests me,” she says. “I found a genuine passion for Sociology and Industrial and Organisational Psychology. These fields have helped me better understand society, human behaviour, and the way people function within communities and workplaces.”
One of the most meaningful experiences of her first semester came through forming friendships with classmates from vastly different backgrounds. Despite differences in culture, religion, language, and life experiences, these friendships have reinforced the value of diversity and shown her how people can learn from and support one another.
The support provided by the JDK Benefit Trust extended far beyond financial assistance. From funding tuition, a laptop, textbooks, stationery, and living expenses to offering encouragement during moments of uncertainty, the Trust created an environment where Amirah-Fadeelah could focus on learning, growing, and adapting to university life with confidence.
Reflecting on her journey, she recognises that her first semester has taught her resilience, openness, and belief in her own abilities. Looking ahead, she hopes to build a career that combines Sociology and Industrial and Organisational Psychology, enabling her to better understand people and make a meaningful contribution to their lives and workplaces.
Amirah-Fadeelah’s story is a powerful reminder that education is about more than academic achievement—it is about discovering purpose, overcoming challenges, and unlocking potential. The JDK Benefit Trust is proud to support students like Amirah-Fadeelah, whose determination, curiosity, and resilience embody the transformative impact of investing in South Africa’s future leaders.