Buxton Gray
Reach Out!
Menu
Welcome to the Gray Education Foundation
Education in South Africa – at every level – is a challenge for the majority of children and their parents. Financial burden is not biased and does not discriminate. With a profound awareness of the generational impact of education or the lack thereof, having the privilege of university education ourselves, we felt compelled to give back. We started with a little creche in a rural village and have ‘graduated’ to funding tertiary education ventures.
2011
Our goal was to build a large hall that would accommodate all the children. The building is designed with movable room dividers, ensuring that one large gathering can be accommodated, and when required, two classes can be held in the same area.
2012
A focus on fun was the theme for 2012, and what better way to improve the development of gross motor skills than with the happy edition of a large wooden jungle gym! Coupled with a generous donation of a large trampoline, the year proved to be a very exciting one for the children.
Improvements to some of the older structures were also made. One of the older classrooms was converted into a kitchen, replete with appliances and a lock-up storage area.
2013
At the start of year the building of proper bathroom facilities began, which lasted throughout the year due to the wet weather condition.
2014
The first half the year was very productive for the Foundation, with the completion of the bathroom facilities at the creche
Precious
We were introduced to Precious through her brother Christopher. Buxton had read about Christopher in a newspaper article because he had a terrible skin condition that needed desperate attention. ABSA sponsored his transport to Johannesburg and Addcapital sponsored the cost of his appointments to see various specialists. Sadly, their mother passed away, leaving them with an aunt who needed financial assistance their schooling and daily needs. Christopher passed away, after a short struggle with drug resistant tuberculosis. Precious was taken into the Addcapital Kids Foundation family who saw her through high school and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. It was a true pleasure to witness Precious not only reaching her goal, but also choosing a career which gives back to her community .
Michelle
Allison Mellors, a teacher in Harding KZN, began to take care of a young girl in her Grade 4 class after her mother passed away. Allison approached the Foundation for help believing that Michelle was a very special child. We discovered that she had struggled through years of drug resistant Tuberculosis, missing two years of school as a result. It was a joy to meet her at just 14 years old. She told us of how she wanted to be a nurse because she had been so poorly treated in hospital and she wanted to make sure that no one who came across her path would ever feel the same way. Michelle is now a nursing Sister and a mother to two little boys. Education changed Michelle’s life and she continues to pay it forward and change the lives of all those in her wake.
Raz
Buxton and Berneen are fans of breakfast. While visiting his parents in KZN Buxton met a young man named Raz, who was serving at a local coffee shop. He felt compelled to ask Raz why he was waitering. His father, the family’s only bread winner , had passed away and he was saving money to complete his degree in architecture. It was immediately clear that Raz would become a beneficiary of the Foundation. Raz completed his architecture degree with outstanding results and was employed at a top architectural firm in the Western Cape. We went on to earn a specialising bursary in Sweden, where he met his wife. He now lives in Germany with his beautiful wife and precious daughter Nandi Rose.
Daniel
Daniel’s mother was carer to Berneen’s father while he struggled terminal heart disease; an incredibly special woman, singing hymns as she went about her difficult tasks. Daniel’s little sister battled with severe diabetes which left little money for tertiary education. The Foundation set Daniel on his path to becoming a social worker. He started with an Early Childhood Development Diploma, which gave him sufficient credits continue. Daniel has committed his young life to God’s work where he serves in rural communities supporting the work caring for and educating teenage mothers and other vulnerable young in necessary life skills and entrepreneurship.
Michael
Michael’s mom struggles terribly with auto immune disease, making family life tough and working a long day even tougher. For quite some time, as the last student was nearing the completion of her studies, Berneen felt very strongly that any remaining funds should be earmarked for Michael. Through bullying at school and all the stresses that accompany a split family, Michael still managed to apply himself diligently and achieve exceptional marks at school. Without assistance there was little chance he could access further education, but with a little help, we felt that he could achieve great things. And so he has. Michael is a qualified lawyer working at a top tier South African law firm. He supports both his mother and his younger sister, who stays home to care for her mom.
- Now that our last young adult, Michael has finished his studies, we have new ambitions for this next phase of our journey.
-
We plan to educate a further ten young adults. A commitment for the next 4-8 years, depending on their choice of studies.
-
We have run out of money. There are options
-
Crowd funding and donations for the re-printing of Journey Through Africa, which will enable us to sell the first book. The total profits will go the Fund.
-
Crowd funding and donations for Journey Through The Americas. The Journey Through Africa attracted enough interest from our own circle of corporate clients and colleagues when the trip was undertaken, to enable us to fund for a number of years. Extending this idea with an even more ambitious ride planned, should attract enough funding to produce a high quality book for publication and sale.
-
-
It gives us immense pleasure to report that two our young adults have graduated from beneficiary to benefactor. This ‘pay it forward’ frame of mind is exactly what The Gray Education Foundation seeks to foster in our young adults. It might not be funds, but each member contributes to their communities in ways they would not have been able to should they not have qualified. The knock on effect lasts for generations and we are extremely proud of each one of them.
A University degree in South Africa is a very expensive affair. Tuition, books, computers and transport are required for each student. The average cost of one year’s study for an undergraduate degree in 2023 was R55,900. This cost is expected to rise to R95,700 by 2030.
We all agree that giving a child a good education is the foundation to his or her success and allows each individual to provide for their own families while contributing to the wider growth of the economy in which they live and work.
As was the case in the past, it will be an honour and a privilege to continue on our journey towards education for everyone!
To care for and educate youngsters is close to my heart and the need in Africa is
enormous. Every life that is touched and changed not only matters in the present but also flows down to future generations. We have so many kids who desperately need our help. Education trumps intelligence and changes lives. The Journey Through Africa fund raising motorcycle ride raised desperately needed
funding to support the creche and those on the education program. This funding has been used to change the lives of a few young adults who, without this funding, would not have been able to afford Tertiary Education. The need for support of others remains larger than ever. Profits from the sale of Journey Through Africa will be paid to The Gray Education Foundation. We plan to expand the distribution of Journey Through Africa into the USA as part of a crowd funding initiative to increase support of the Foundation. Funding support is
desperately needed. Combining the success of the sponsorship of Journey Through Africa as a fund raising mechanism with the celebration of our 40 th wedding anniversary, my wife and I are planning two charity motorcycle rides during 2025. The first, leaving in January, from Johannesburg to Mombasa in Kenya, a return distance of around 8000kms, will also serve as a training
ride for my wife who has not had much experience in adventure biking. It will provide her the opportunity to get some dirt riding under her belt and develop her confidence on her newly acquired 2021 BMW 750 GS which has a lowered suspension. The bikes that we have chosen for the rides are special edition BMW GS motorcycles produced to celebrate the 40 th anniversary of the BMW GS with distinctive black and yellow colouring. We are going to approach BMW for sponsorship of this unique wedding and model celebration combination.
The main fund raising drive for 2025 is to ride from Alaska to Patagonia, distance of close to 30 000kms. As far as possible we will stay of the beaten track and wind our way down over four to six months. This time around I will ensure that I have the appropriate camera equipment that I lacked on my Journey Through Africa adventure and provide online insights into the journey with the option for viewers to donate to The Gray Education Foundation.
Our fundraising target for 2025 is $100 000
Testimonials
My name is Erasmus Siphelele Mseleku, a Durban-born Zulu boy currently living in Berlin. I
am an architect and urban designer at Arup, a global consulting company in Germany. So far
this sounds all so great I imagine. But the journey to get here required something of a miracle
during a dark time in my life. It is a story I’ve told many times before, and it seems
overwhelming every time to both the listener and me. I couldn’t be more privileged to share it
with you.
I was a 2nd year architecture student at the University of KZN when my father, the
breadwinner and sole financial provider for my studies passed away. I was 21, just becoming
an adult and the world was showing me I was still very much a boy. Because my dad had
been ill for some time, I worked as a waiter on the weekends, to help with my studies. At the
time of his passing, I thought that perhaps I would need to take a break from university to
work full-time at the restaurant and save up enough money to complete my studies later in
my life. It was a lot to think about, especially while deeply mourning.
A few weeks after my dad’s passing, during a shift at the restaurant, a regular customer who I
had had small chats with over the many times we passed each other at the shop, decided to
strike a deeper conversation. Buxton was curious about my life and what my journey was.
Having made me comfortable in the conversation, I opened up about my circumstance. I told
him about the difficult balancing act between work and studies. The architecture degree is
very demanding of time and energy, but there was no choice. And in that moment my life
would change. Forever.
Buxton was clearly moved by my story and there and then, offered to help me. I wasn’t sure
what that would even mean. He told me that he wanted to help me through my journey to
becoming an architect. This meant supporting me financially for my student fees, and any
other supporting infrastructure I needed. The Addcapital Kids Foundation provided a new
high-performance laptop, model-building equipment, and covered the cost of school
excursions. Furthermore, he incentivised me to work to pass second year; he would give me
R10 000, half of which he drew half, and put in my hand right there, to show that he was
serious about investing in my story. I was totally overwhelmed; shocked and confused that a
near stranger would be so unbelievably generous to someone they hardly knew. I rushed
home to tell my mom. Of course, like me, she was in tears after hearing this incredible story.
Buxton would also invite me to Johannesburg shortly after this first interaction, so that I
could meet the Foundation and his lovely family, who would soon feel like extended family.
This meant the world to me.
Buxton and the Foundation helped me to complete not only my bachelors degree, but also my
masters. In total three and a half years of study. Buxton supported me emotionally too and he
felt like the father-figure the young me needed at that time and that will never be forgotten. It
was deeply moving that he was there for my final graduation, alongside my mother. She has
never ever forgotten Buxton and asks after him regularly.
After that I would move to Cape Town to work at South Africa’s leading architecture design
firm SAOTA. This would also be the city where I met my now wife who was on vacation
from Berlin in the summer of 2017. I would further apply for a scholarship to study a masters
in Sweden, which I obtained and that helped Naomi and I to be closer. Today, we are five
years strong with a beautiful two-year-old daughter called Nandi Rose.
None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for that life-changing interaction with
Buxton. I am forever grateful; he showed me the power of selflessness, kindness and
humility. We keep in touch to this day, eighteen years later, testament to what a caring person
Buxton is. A friend, a mentor, a guardian angel!
Thank you for everything, thank you for everything, thank you for everything! I can’t say this enough.
As an orphan I felt very privilidged and blessed to have such amazing people to take of me. The year I was in grade 10, I was then introduced to an amazing woman by the name of Berneen Field, who was the sister of my late former Grade 4 teacher Mrs Mellors (may her soul rest in eternal peace. God truly shone his light in my life the moment I met this beautiful and amazing person, who is selfless, humble, God fearing and most caring person, who changed my life for the better.
She put me in boarding school to complete my 2 years of schooling, grade 11 and 12,paid for my school fees, boarding fees and provided me with pocket money monthly. She was part of a campaign called CAPITUA KIDS FOUNDATION, that catered for unprivileged children like me. Berneen has been a true blessing in my life and true testimony that God is miraculous and works in mysterious ways. When one door closes, another one opens with greater opportunities.
The CAPITUA KIDS FOUNDATION provided me with the opportunity to go to nursing college, and funded me throughout my tertiary years. From college fees, resident’s fees, stationery and books to pocket money for groceries and clothing. Berneen reached out to me in every way possible and made sure to see to my every need. I cannot even begin to show my gratitude and appreciation for the gift of education they have blessed me with; a gift that no one can ever snatch away from me and that gives me respect and a dignified role.
Today I am proud to hold a Nursing Diploma to my name; a diligent ICU nursing sister, a mother of two beautiful boys and I live a happy and comfortable life where I’m able to provide for my family. I may still have a ways to go in life but the best is yet to come. I am proud of how far I’ve come, I am a strong and independent woman with a successful career. I couldn’t have made it this far without the help from Berneen and the CAPITAU Kids Foundation.The Sponsorship that funded me was not just for me but to choose a career that would give back to the community and to help those in need. I am proud of the journey that I chose and blessed to be in a career where I have an impact in the lives of people. My dream came true and I’m forever grateful and humbled.
Dear Kidz Foundation.
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering support you gave during my educational journey. Your generosity has made a profound impact on my life, and I am truly grateful for your help. When I embarked on my studies, I faced numerous challenges, both academically and financially, you never gave up me. However, thanks to your financial support, I was able to focus on my studies without the burden of worrying about tuition fees and expenses. Your generosity allowed me to pursue my passion for being a teacher. Your contribution not only eased the financial strain but also served as a source of encouragement and motivation during challenging times. Knowing that there were individuals like you rooting for my success gave me the strength to persevere, even when faced with obstacles. As a result of your support, I have achieved academic milestones that I once thought were beyond reach. I am proud to say that I have graduated with a B.ED and am now equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue my dreams in teaching. None of this would have been possible without your generosity. Your kindness has inspired me to pay it forward and make a positive impact in the lives of others, just as you have done for me. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your invaluable support. I am forever grateful for your kindness and generosity.
With heartfelt thanks, Precious
My name is Erasmus Siphelele Mseleku, a Durban-born Zulu boy currently living in Berlin. I
am an architect and urban designer at Arup, a global consulting company in Germany. So far
this sounds all so great I imagine. But the journey to get here required something of a miracle
during a dark time in my life. It is a story I’ve told many times before, and it seems
overwhelming every time to both the listener and me. I couldn’t be more privileged to share it
with you.
I was a 2nd year architecture student at the University of KZN when my father, the
breadwinner and sole financial provider for my studies passed away. I was 21, just becoming
an adult and the world was showing me I was still very much a boy. Because my dad had
been ill for some time, I worked as a waiter on the weekends, to help with my studies. At the
time of his passing, I thought that perhaps I would need to take a break from university to
work full-time at the restaurant and save up enough money to complete my studies later in
my life. It was a lot to think about, especially while deeply mourning.
A few weeks after my dad’s passing, during a shift at the restaurant, a regular customer who I
had had small chats with over the many times we passed each other at the shop, decided to
strike a deeper conversation. Buxton was curious about my life and what my journey was.
Having made me comfortable in the conversation, I opened up about my circumstance. I told
him about the difficult balancing act between work and studies. The architecture degree is
very demanding of time and energy, but there was no choice. And in that moment my life
would change. Forever.
Buxton was clearly moved by my story and there and then, offered to help me. I wasn’t sure
what that would even mean. He told me that he wanted to help me through my journey to
becoming an architect. This meant supporting me financially for my student fees, and any
other supporting infrastructure I needed. The Addcapital Kids Foundation provided a new
high-performance laptop, model-building equipment, and covered the cost of school
excursions. Furthermore, he incentivised me to work to pass second year; he would give me
R10 000, half of which he drew half, and put in my hand right there, to show that he was
serious about investing in my story. I was totally overwhelmed; shocked and confused that a
near stranger would be so unbelievably generous to someone they hardly knew. I rushed
home to tell my mom. Of course, like me, she was in tears after hearing this incredible story.
Buxton would also invite me to Johannesburg shortly after this first interaction, so that I
could meet the Foundation and his lovely family, who would soon feel like extended family.
This meant the world to me.
Buxton and the Foundation helped me to complete not only my bachelors degree, but also my
masters. In total three and a half years of study. Buxton supported me emotionally too and he
felt like the father-figure the young me needed at that time and that will never be forgotten. It
was deeply moving that he was there for my final graduation, alongside my mother. She has
never ever forgotten Buxton and asks after him regularly.
After that I would move to Cape Town to work at South Africa’s leading architecture design
firm SAOTA. This would also be the city where I met my now wife who was on vacation
from Berlin in the summer of 2017. I would further apply for a scholarship to study a masters
in Sweden, which I obtained and that helped Naomi and I to be closer. Today, we are five
years strong with a beautiful two-year-old daughter called Nandi Rose.
None of this would have been possible if it weren’t for that life-changing interaction with
Buxton. I am forever grateful; he showed me the power of selflessness, kindness and
humility. We keep in touch to this day, eighteen years later, testament to what a caring person
Buxton is. A friend, a mentor, a guardian angel!
Thank you for everything, thank you for everything, thank you for everything! I can’t say this enough.
As an orphan I felt very privilidged and blessed to have such amazing people to take of me. The year I was in grade 10, I was then introduced to an amazing woman by the name of Berneen Field, who was the sister of my late former Grade 4 teacher Mrs Mellors (may her soul rest in eternal peace. God truly shone his light in my life the moment I met this beautiful and amazing person, who is selfless, humble, God fearing and most caring person, who changed my life for the better.
She put me in boarding school to complete my 2 years of schooling, grade 11 and 12,paid for my school fees, boarding fees and provided me with pocket money monthly. She was part of a campaign called CAPITUA KIDS FOUNDATION, that catered for unprivileged children like me. Berneen has been a true blessing in my life and true testimony that God is miraculous and works in mysterious ways. When one door closes, another one opens with greater opportunities.
The CAPITUA KIDS FOUNDATION provided me with the opportunity to go to nursing college, and funded me throughout my tertiary years. From college fees, resident’s fees, stationery and books to pocket money for groceries and clothing. Berneen reached out to me in every way possible and made sure to see to my every need. I cannot even begin to show my gratitude and appreciation for the gift of education they have blessed me with; a gift that no one can ever snatch away from me and that gives me respect and a dignified role.
Today I am proud to hold a Nursing Diploma to my name; a diligent ICU nursing sister, a mother of two beautiful boys and I live a happy and comfortable life where I'm able to provide for my family. I may still have a ways to go in life but the best is yet to come. I am proud of how far I've come, I am a strong and independent woman with a successful career. I couldn't have made it this far without the help from Berneen and the CAPITAU Kids Foundation.The Sponsorship that funded me was not just for me but to choose a career that would give back to the community and to help those in need. I am proud of the journey that I chose and blessed to be in a career where I have an impact in the lives of people. My dream came true and I'm forever grateful and humbled.
Dear Kidz Foundation.
I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering support you gave during my educational journey. Your generosity has made a profound impact on my life, and I am truly grateful for your help. When I embarked on my studies, I faced numerous challenges, both academically and financially, you never gave up me. However, thanks to your financial support, I was able to focus on my studies without the burden of worrying about tuition fees and expenses. Your generosity allowed me to pursue my passion for being a teacher. Your contribution not only eased the financial strain but also served as a source of encouragement and motivation during challenging times. Knowing that there were individuals like you rooting for my success gave me the strength to persevere, even when faced with obstacles. As a result of your support, I have achieved academic milestones that I once thought were beyond reach. I am proud to say that I have graduated with a B.ED and am now equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue my dreams in teaching. None of this would have been possible without your generosity. Your kindness has inspired me to pay it forward and make a positive impact in the lives of others, just as you have done for me. Once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your invaluable support. I am forever grateful for your kindness and generosity.
With heartfelt thanks, Precious
Previous
Next