Tronox Continues Sponsorship of African Leadership Academy

For three years, Tronox has sponsored a scholarship to the African Leadership Academy, which enables students to enhance their leadership skills and complete impactful projects. The organization’s mission is to play a positive role in developing the next generation of African leaders and entrepreneurs.

The recipient of the 2016 Tronox sponsorship was Lethabo Ntini, or Lettie, as she is known to friends and family. Lettie is currently a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, USA, where she is majoring in economics and political science. She is a research assistant at the university’s Kellogg Institute and serves as the president of Notre Dame’s African Students Association.

Lettie is a strong advocate for equal opportunity and development within the African continent. She has explored development through education in many ways, including an opportunity to serve as a recruiting and marketing intern at Pioneer Academies in South Africa during her first summer break. Lettie believes that if she wants to change the educational system in Africa, she will need to understand how national policies and structures impact education.

Upon graduating from college, Lettie plans on returning to Africa and hopes to develop an interactive design-thinking approach to learning. She will also strive to create a system where every African child has access to quality education. As she undertakes these endeavors, Lettie will rely on the many skills she gained as an ALA student.

“My two years at ALA were a combination of challenges and opportunities,” she said. “What ALA has given me goes beyond a few memories and accomplishments; it provided chance to find myself and understand what I value. I am so grateful to Tronox for having sponsored my education. The journey is invaluable.”

Lethabo “Lettie” Ntini, center, celebrates her graduation from the African Leadership Academy with Fred Swaniker, ALA co-founder, left; Uzo Agyare-Kumi, Dean Emeritus of ALA; Graça Machel, former first lady of South Africa; and Chris Bradford, ALA co-founder and CEO.

Lettie Ntini is currently a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame, located in South Bend, Indiana, USA, where she is studying economics and political science.