At just 22 years old, Mikyle Blouw is proving that resilience, hard work, and access to opportunity can pave the way to a brighter future. Raised in Ocean View, a community outside Fish Hoek in Cape Town, Mikyle’s inspiring journey from adversity to academic success shows what’s possible when potential meets opportunity.
Today, Mikyle is a graduate in Architectural Technology and an intern at SVA International, making steady progress towards his dream of designing and owning his own home. But his path hasn’t been easy.
Overcoming Challenges Through Education
Growing up in a family of six children, Mikyle faced the daily challenges of an overcrowded school environment. Despite the difficulties, he found motivation through his older brother, who recognized his potential and encouraged him to aim higher.
In 2010, Mikyle’s life took a turn when his mother discovered the Laerskool Paul Greyling Bursary Programme, supported by the Prescient Foundation. The initiative funds previously disadvantaged learners from nearby communities, giving them access to quality primary education.
“We were nervous but hopeful. That opportunity changed everything,” Mikyle recalls.
Though he had to repeat Grade 2 to catch up, he pushed through, supported by his teachers, classmates, and family. He soon began to thrive—especially through sports like cross-country and rugby—and eventually became Head Boy in Grade 7.
A Stepping Stone to Greater Heights
After primary school, Mikyle joined Jan van Riebeeck High School, where he continued to receive support through the Prescient Foundation Scholarship Programme. He was appointed a school and hostel prefect, and set an ambitious goal: to become the first in his family to attend university.
Throughout his journey, the Foundation covered:
- School fees and uniforms
- Stationery and transport
- A high-performance laptop for university
- Ongoing mentorship and emotional support
“Prescient didn’t just support me financially—they gave me belief,” Mikyle says.
The Power of Mentorship
A key part of Mikyle’s success has been the mentorship he received. Regular check-ins with Herman Steyn, co-founder and Chairman of the Prescient Group, and over a decade of support from Meryl Bendie, Programme Facilitator at the Prescient Foundation, gave Mikyle the confidence to continue—even through personal hardships, including his parents’ divorce and the loss of his grandmother in matric.
“She believed in me. I still carry her words with me every day,” he shares.
Where He Is Now
Mikyle has completed his National Diploma in Architectural Technology at CPUT and is currently completing a year-long internship at SVA International, where he works on design and detailing across a range of client portfolios. He’s also applied for a part-time Advanced Diploma programme to further his studies.
Giving Back and Inspiring Others
Now an emerging leader in his field, Mikyle gives back by sharing his story at Prescient Foundation Leadership Summits and mentoring fellow students. His message to the youth, especially those growing up in under-resourced communities like Ocean View, is one of hope:
“Don’t let your environment dictate your future. If you have a dream, back yourself. Work hard, stay disciplined, and when someone offers you a hand—take it.”
Celebrating 20 Years of the Prescient Foundation
As the Prescient Foundation celebrates 20 years of impact, stories like Mikyle’s shine a light on its mission: to unlock opportunity through education. By providing funding, resources, and long-term mentorship, the Foundation continues to uplift the next generation of South African leaders.
“We’re proud to stand behind changemakers like Mikyle,” says Nicole Pinto, CEO of the Prescient Foundation. “This Youth Month, his story reminds us that with the right support, anything is possible.”
If you're a young person looking for support in your academic journey, or an organisation seeking to invest in future leaders, the Prescient Foundation shows us what's possible when we invest in potential.
