NTTG stands for Nose to the Grindstone. This name is something very special to us (the founders/directors). All our lives, if we were struggling with something or trying to accomplish something, our grandfather or our dad would say “nose to the grindstone!” Essentially it means work hard. We started this NGO out of a desperation to give children an opportunity to apply this, if they choose to. Many people will have many different reactions to this name, but to us, it is a fond memory and a tribute to two great men who are no longer with us. NTTG in essence, is the gift of a choice.
We want to give children the opportunity to go to good schools to do or become whatever they choose. We feel very strongly that this is not a conditional scholarship. Once you are in, you are in. We would like to be “financial parents” to these children and feel strongly that if they fail or under perform, they have the choice to try again. The scholarship is a solid financial commitment from preschool up until the end of matric.
The children are selected by the directors using the following as a guide:
- Children in rural areas with parents who are farm workers who don’t have access to/means to pay school fees. Children who, without assistance have little chance of obtaining an education.
- Our priority is younger children. Age is very important given that language can be a struggle. The younger the better!
- Parent support is vital. The parents should show an interest in the child’s education.