Kendra Erin Abrahams, 14, has been selected to participate in the Academic Achievers Tour to the United Kingdom and Scotland.
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Kendra Erin Abrahams a rising academic star from Lotus River has been selected for a prestigious international Academic Achievers Tour to the United Kingdom and Scotland in September/October 2026. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that brings her closer to her dream of studying at Oxford University.
Recognised for her outstanding academic performance, Kendra, 14, earned her place at the end of 2025 after achieving an impressive 76.4% overall average across all subjects. However, despite the incredible achievement, a significant financial hurdle remains, prompting the launch of a crowdfunding campaign to raise the outstanding amount needed to cover travel and tour costs.
A Dream Earned Through Hard Work
Kendra, originally from Hanover Park and now living in Lotus River, is currently a Grade 9 learner at Sans Souci Girls’ High School, where she continues to excel academically. Her recent achievements at the school’s awards ceremony included five subject awards for achieving over 70%, along with a Merit Award for her impressive overall performance. Her parents credit her success to her determination, sharing that, “Kendra has always been a dedicated and hardworking student. She consistently strives for excellence, balancing her schoolwork with extracurricular activities and community involvement. Her curiosity and determination have set a strong foundation for her future.”
The 11-day tour will see Kendra visit the University of Edinburgh, Oxford University, Cambridge University, and Queen Mary University of London. Learners will attend academic lectures, engage with global institutions, and explore historic centres of knowledge and innovation. For Kendra, the experience is deeply personal. “This opportunity is life-changing. It was not given to me — I worked for it,” she said. “It brings me closer to my dream of studying at Oxford and helps me understand what it takes to succeed in that environment.”Her parents echoed this sentiment, adding: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It will expose her to new cultures, broaden her perspective, and give her invaluable learning experiences that will strengthen her academic journey.”
More Than Academics
Beyond her academic success, Kendra is a well-rounded and driven young leader. She serves on the Representative Council of Learners (RCL), is actively involved in her church youth community, and participates in outreach initiatives. She also enjoys netball, swimming, and creative pursuits.
“Kendra is an intelligent, curious, and compassionate young person,” her family shared. “She has a natural leadership spirit and a positive energy that inspires those around her.”
The Cost of Opportunity
The total cost of the international tour is R82,000, which includes travel, accommodation, and programme participation. Through a combination of personal savings and support raised via the BackaBuddy campaign, the family has already managed to secure R31,000. However, there is still an outstanding amount of R51,000 needed to make the trip possible.
“We’ve done everything we can to get this far,” her family shared. “But we still need help to close the gap and make sure Kendra doesn’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity.”
For Kendra’s family, this journey is about far more than a trip. “If Kendra is able to go on this tour, it would mean the world to our family,” they shared. “It’s not just an incredible learning experience for her — it’s a moment of pride and joy for all of us. It reinforces the value of hard work, perseverance, and community support.”
How the Public Can Help
The family is appealing to the public, businesses, and supporters of education to help make this opportunity possible. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings Kendra one step closer to achieving her dream. “Thank you so much for supporting me and my dream,” Kendra said. “Your generosity and encouragement mean the world to me. I promise to make the most of this opportunity and carry your support with me every step of the way.”
Her parents added: “We are deeply grateful for every contribution, every share, and every word of encouragement. You are helping shape her future in ways we cannot fully express.”
To support Kendra’s campaign, visit the BackaBuddy campaign page: academic-achievers-scotland-and-england-tour-2026.
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