The scholarship programme aims to provide access to quality education to deserving learners whose parents work for a KFC restaurant and to children who are 'Add Hope' beneficiaries across South Africa.

Learners who met the selection criteria remain recipients of the programme as long as they meet specific annual requirements until they matriculate.

"Last year, we started the programme and were not only pleased with the hard work shown and the results from our participating students, but that we are able to extend the programme even further in 2022. It offers more students the opportunity to build their futures with a strong educational foundation," says Akhona Qengqe, chief people officer at KFC Africa.

Qengqe adds, "Good quality and private schooling education is expensive and inaccessible to a majority of South Africans. We recognise the role that good education plays in building an economy and a sustainable future — hence our investment in this programme."

According to the programme, the majority of the current students in 2022 sit in grade nine (16 learners). This is followed by grade ten (six learners) and then grade 11, grade eight and grade 12 respectively. 

The learners that participated last year not only received over 30 accolades and recognition awards, but a 96% pass rate — including bachelor and diploma passes.

KFC's purpose-led culture and commitment to youth development strive to ensure that the scholarship continues for years to come and that the programme is able to increase the number of selected students each year.

"Over and above feeding young children through our 'Add Hope' programme, we are also interested in who they grow up to be and Ikusasa Lethu is a platform that allows us to contribute in a meaningful way and feed our youth's potential," says Qengqe. 

"The programme is focused on providing educational opportunities and upskilling our youth, making sure they have a solid platform and support system to prepare them for the challenges of adolescence and adulthood," concludes Qengqe.

For more information, visit www.global.kfc.com.  You can also follow KFC on Instagram.