The impact of KAL’s financial support is often described as life-changing by many recipients in the KAL Bursary Programme.
This is exactly how former bursary recipient, Yorique Agullhas, who now works as an intern in the Group’s Supply Chain department, describes his journey with KAL. In his view, the bursary has helped him achieve what he never thought possible.
Yorique became a bursary recipient while attending Boland Agricultural High School where his potential was recognised. KAL has a longstanding relationship with Boland High School and Yorique was recommended by the school as a bright learner who demonstrated great potential and who was in need of financial support.
Overcoming an early setback when his dreams of a sports career were dashed due to an injury, Yorique redirected his focus towards academics. He enrolled at North-West University, where he continued to maintain excellent academic results and graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Marketing cum laude in 2022.
“The bursary initially covered my school fees and thereafter the majority of my university studies,” says Yorique. “This access to funding motivated me to work hard, and through my hard work I tried to show my appreciation for the opportunity KAL granted me.”
The values of CARE are applied to all KAL’s engagements with student beneficiaries to foster strong relationships with them. The bursary programme is managed by KAL’s Corporate Affairs department and the CSI team regularly checks in on the young people to get an understanding of how they are doing, not just academically, but also holistically.
“The CSI team has greatly inspired me with their genuine approach to CARE,” says Yorique. “I am humbled by the time they took to ensure that I am well taken care of and have everything I need to succeed.”
It was during one of these CARE check-ins that Yorique expressed his keen interest in joining KAL. His enthusiasm and passion for the business were undeniable, leading to his selection for an internship in the Supply Chain department. Yorique works under the guidance of Sylvester Chatukuta, Senior Manager: Stock Control.
Stock control is crucial to KAL’s retail operations and requires precision and efficiency. Interns like Yorique play a vital role, bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the table. Theoretical knowledge can also be combined with practical application.
“It’s great being exposed to so many facets of the business, and I am learning something new every single day,” says Yorique. “What you learn in theory is sometimes very different when applied practically, and the projects I have been exposed to are very insightful. If I could choose, I would want to continue working here for as long as possible because the space where I am now is very fascinating.
“KAL helped make my dreams come true, and I want to do what I can to give back. I am eternally grateful for everything the company has done for me,” he adds.
“We are pleased that we could recruit Yorique as an intern,” says Barend Sulvester, Senior Manager: Sustainability. . “He has shown great potential and worked hard to succeed, becoming the first bursary recipient to join our company. “It's a privilege to empower talented, hard-working individuals. If their career aspirations align with opportunities in the business, we strive to enable our bursary recipients to benefit.”