# Creating the updated testimonials.html with both testimonials updated_testimonials_html = ''' Testimonials - Varsity Friends

Testimonials & Partnerships

Hear from our partners and see the impact of our collaborative efforts in transforming educational access across South Africa.

Clementine Mahlwele Education Foundation In Partnership With Varsity Friends

A Powerful Collaboration for Educational Access

The Clementine Mahlwele Education Foundation collaborates with the Varsity Friends Organisation to support learners in accessing tertiary education opportunities through structured institutional and funding application support.

The partnership between the two organisations was formally established in 2022, with the shared objective of improving access to higher education for learners, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. Under this collaborative model, the Foundation mobilises resources and gathers donations to compensate the Varsity Friends Organisation for the professional application support services provided to learners.

The Foundation plays a key coordination and mobilisation role by liaising directly with school management teams, organising learner participation, and facilitating engagement platforms such as Grade 12 Career Expos. These career expos provide learners from multiple schools with access to critical career guidance, tertiary education information, and application support services. Through the Foundation's established relationships with schools, Varsity Friends Organisation is able to reach a broader base of learners across different institutions in a structured and organised manner.

The Varsity Friends Organisation provides the technical and administrative expertise required to facilitate applications to institutions of higher learning and student funding bodies. This includes assisting learners with career guidance, application submissions, documentation compliance, and tracking of application outcomes. Through the support facilitated by the Foundation, Varsity Friends Organisation is able to extend its services to a wider group of learners who may otherwise face barriers in accessing tertiary education opportunities.

2022

Partnership Established

Multiple

Schools Engaged

Grade 12

Career Expos Hosted

100%

Commitment to Access

Words From Our Partners & Students

Don't just take our word for it. Here's what educational organizations, partners, and students say about Varsity Friends.

CM

Clementine Mahlwele

Founder & Director
Clementine Mahlwele Education Foundation

"Our partnership with Varsity Friends has been transformative in bridging the gap between talented learners and tertiary education opportunities. By combining our resource mobilisation capabilities with their technical expertise in application processing, we've been able to reach learners who would otherwise fall through the cracks of the system. The structured approach of hosting Grade 12 Career Expos has created a platform where learners can access not just application support, but holistic career guidance that helps them make informed decisions about their futures. Together, we're not just processing applicationsโ€”we're changing lives and building stronger communities through education."

2022
Partnership Since
Multiple
Schools Reached
Student Photo

Varsity Friends Graduate

Student Success Story
University of Johannesburg โ€” Class of 2026
๐Ÿซ King Makhosonke II Secondary โ†’ ๐ŸŽ“ UJ

"I am proud to share my journey as a testament to the impact Varsity Friends has had on my life. In 2022, while I was completing my matric at King Makhosonke II Secondary School in Moloto, Mpumalanga, I felt overwhelmed by the university application process and uncertain about my future. Varsity Friends stepped in at a crucial time and provided me with the guidance and support I needed. They assisted me with applying to various universities, and through their help, I was accepted by multiple institutions.

Because of their support, I made an informed decision and chose to join the University of Johannesburg in 2023. They also guided me through the NSFAS application process, which successfully funded my studies and made it possible for me to pursue my education without financial barriers.

Today, I am proud to say that I completed my qualification in record time, graduating in 2026, and I am continuing further with my studies. Varsity Friends is more than just a platform โ€” it is a life-changing support system. I highly recommend Varsity Friends to any student who feels uncertain about their academic journey. With the right guidance and support, your goals are achievable and Varsity Friends can help you get there."

2022
Joined Varsity Friends
2023
Started at UJ
2026
Graduated ๐ŸŽ‰
NSFAS
Fully Funded

Join Our Mission

Whether you're a learner seeking support, a school looking to partner, or an organization wanting to collaborate, we'd love to hear from you.

Get in Touch