"Give the children an opportunity – you never know where it might lead," was the message of former Bafana Bafana captain Ricardo Katza, at the recent Hope Academy appreciation dinner. Katza, patron of Hope Academy, was speaking to 70 invited guests at the inaugural annual appreciation event for supporters and partners of the Hope Academy project. The event was a celebration of all that has taken place in 2011, whilst also providing an opportunity to share the vision for the development of Hope Academies across Africa.

Katza drew from his own life story, and the opportunity he was given as a teenager, in order to encourage the guests to support the Hope Academy project and provide underprivileged children with a unique opportunity. Soweto Hope Academy director, Cameron Mthembu, shared stories of the children whose lives have been impacted through the academy. Children such as Thabiso, who comes from a difficult family background, but is now doing well in his school work and growing in confidence through the input at Hope Academy.

The climax of the evening was the Award ceremony. All awards were based upon key Hope Academy values and were given to individuals and partners who exemplify these values. The following received the 2011 partner awards:

Teamwork award: Tony Ferreira from Big Save.
Integrity award: Kerry Botha and Sandra Swanepoel from Pleiades Media.
Commitment award: Basil Read Group.
Excellence award: Kovilan Sigamoney from Sizonke Civils and Engineering.
Passion award: Lesley Haynes from LegalWise.
Supporter of the Year: Brendan Naidoo from Gr8 Gifts.
Compassion award: Soweto Hope Academy team.

The event was held at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg. All involved with Hope Academy are extremely grateful to all our partners throughout 2011, and particularly grateful to the event sponsors KJM Enterprises, Big Save and Basil Read.