About Jessica

Matriculated in '92 and graduated with a B.Comm from the University of Pietermaritzburg followed by a Postgraduate in Management from the Wits Business School (WBS). I went on exchange and did some travelling before joining Ernst & Young In Jo'burg in 1999. Moved to the UK in 2003 to get 'London experience' and travel some more. Currently work for an American company (Thomson Financial) but support South African clients.

Born and bread Jo'burger. I had the privilege of going to university (two of them), working in London and then meeting and marrying my wonderful husband and biggest support in this endeavour - Barry.

I lost a good friend of mine to HIV/AIDS in 2001, we had studied together at WBS. When this happened I had a strong sense that I needed to do something to keep his memory alive and remember the special person he was in a positive way.

This coincided with my friends Nicki and Barrys' plan to establish a programme that would sponsor and support learners through their matric year at Star Schools. I thought this was a great idea especially as we would have the support of Nicki's mom Jill Marais who left teaching to coordinate the corporate sponsorship programme at Star Schools.

My family has always been education focused. Jill Marais (my Mom) is a teacher by profession and now heading up Sponsorship for Star Schools. And to quote my Dad: "They can take away everything, but not your education".

My view is that education gives people access to opportunities - a basic right. I feel that if we educate South Africans then the prospects for this country are endless. There is a huge gap in standards within the South African education system. While the government corrects this over time, we can fill the gap for those students we touch, who will in turn provide impetus into our economy and society.

• Because it's a way for me to see 'the bigger picture' and give others some of the opportunity that I was fortunate enough to have through my schooling and in my matric year.
• I think that higher education is important, but I know that giving others a sense of confidence and ways to develop their life skills is what is most important for us to build a better future.
• I have been encouraged by the difference that we've seen in the learners that we have sponsored over the three years and am very grateful for the fantastic support that we've had from Queen and Jill at Star Schools as well as the network of friends that continue to support FT.
• FT has worked because of the commitment of all those involved, learners will always be welcomed back to motivate and encourage others - our hope is that their selection as a 'FT learner' is a stepping stone to personal success and fulfilment.

• The success of learners who have been through our programme
• The feedback from learners on our programme
• The satisfaction of providing a channel to fellow like minded people who want to get involved