Our Story

Spark to Star was founded with a vision to transform the educational landscape by providing a platform for academic growth and personal development. Our team is committed to fostering the innate potential in every young person, helping them shine brightly in their educational journey.

Our FOUNDING STORY

The inspiration behind Spark To Star came from Vusi Matse, a person who thrives on challenging himself. His roots run deep in the community of Mangweni, where he grew up and completed his high school education at Inkomazi Secondary School. Having grown up in this environment, he understood the challenges and aspirations of local scholars. As an alumnus of Inkomazi Secondary School, he developed a strong desire to give back to his community, which led to the founding of Spark To Star in 2022. Initially, the organization focused on hosting academic awards, now known as the Mangweni Academic Excellence Awards, aimed at promoting excellence in subjects like Mathematics, English, and other main subjects. Beyond these accolades, the awards aimed to enhance students’ prospects for university admission and securing funding. Vusi’s vision extends beyond mere recognition; he seeks to uplift every student, encouraging them to strive for improvement and believe in their own potential, regardless of their individual achievements. This holistic approach not only celebrates academic success but also instills a sense of hope and possibility among all students in Mangweni

EARLY INITIATIVES & EXPANSIONS

In its first two years, Spark To Star concentrated its efforts on Inkomazi Secondary School, hosting academic excellence awards to encourage high-achieving students and motivate those who hadn’t been taking their studies seriously by showing that their peers’ achievements could inspire them to strive for higher grades. The success of these awards led to a significant expansion in 2024. The scope of the awards was extended to cover the entire Mangweni region, including Inkomazi Secondary School, Shinyukane Secondary School, and five primary schools: Sidlemu Primary School, Phambanisa Primary School, Mjejane Primary School, Lugedlane Primary School, and Mphoti Primary School. By including primary schools, Spark To Star aimed to mentor younger students early on, helping them improve their marks and make informed subject choices by grade 10.

Our FUTURE

Looking ahead, Spark To Star plans to continue expanding its reach by introducing new programs that support personal development and career readiness. We aim to establish more partnerships with local businesses and educational institutions to enhance the resources available to our students.
Our vision is to extend our impact beyond Mangweni, reaching more communities and ultimately creating a national network of empowered young minds. We will place a particular focus on providing career guidance to students in lower grades 8 and 9. By offering mentorship at this critical stage, we aim to open their minds to the many career options available, helping them to understand the importance of subject choice and how it can impact their future career paths. This guidance will empower students to make informed decisions that align with their interests and strengths, setting
a solid foundation for their academic and professional journeys. While we have made significant strides, there is still much work to be done. The road ahead is filled with opportunities and challenges, and we are committed to addressing them with dedication and passion. Our mission is to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the support and resources they need to succeed. Through this comprehensive approach, Spark To Star aspires to cultivate a generation of well-rounded, ambitious individuals ready to make meaningful contributions to society.

© 2025 Spark To Star. All Rights Reserved.
© 2025 Spark To Star. All Rights Reserved.