At just 17, Diego Cornelius learner of Norman Hensilwood High School is already creating change in his community while balancing multiple leadership roles at school and beyond. Through the Prescient Foundation Scholarship Programme and a meaningful mentorship relationship, Diego has transformed opportunity into action launching his own youth development initiative and empowering other young people to pursue their ambitions.

His story explores how mentorship, belief and access can help young people realise their potential and create lasting impact in their communities.

Made for More: Diego Cornelius on the Power of Purpose

At just 17 years old, Prescient Foundation beneficiary, Diego Cornelius, is proving that leadership is not determined by age, circumstance or background, it is shaped by purpose, courage and a commitment to making a difference.

A Grade 12 learner at Norman Henshilwood High School, Diego has grown into a young leader who is passionate about uplifting others and creating opportunities for his community.

Diego Cornelius

Living in Westlake, where he was born and raised, he has never allowed his circumstances to define his future. Instead, Diego embraced a simple but powerful message that he was first introduced to through the Prescient Foundation: “You are Made for More.”

A scholarship that changed everything

Diego’s journey with the Prescient Foundation began in 2020 when he was in Grade 7. After being nominated for a scholarship opportunity with the Prescient Foundation, he attended what he expected would be a formal academic interview.

Instead, he was asked very different questions: Who are you and who do you want to become? “It wasn’t only about my marks,” Diego recalls. “They wanted to know my dreams and what I wanted to do with my life.” One of those dreams, remains unchanged today.  “My biggest dream is to one day become the President of South Africa.”

A few months later, on his birthday, he received the news that his scholarship application was successful.

“It was the best birthday gift I had ever received,” he says.  The scholarship provided far more than financial assistance. Through educational support, mentorship, leadership development opportunities and practical assistance such as a laptop, school uniform and academic resources, Diego was given the tools to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Diego Cornelius is shooting the lights out

Leadership in action

Those opportunities quickly translated into action. Today, Diego holds leadership roles across a wide range of organisations: he serves as Deputy Chairperson of his school’s Representative Council of Learners (RCL), sits on the School Governing Body, and leads several student initiatives as Head of the Debate Society, President of the Interact Club, Head of the Media Centre Assistants, Director of the Normies Podcast and Deputy Head of the Christian Union. He was also selected to serve on the City of Cape Town’s Junior City Council.

His school blazer proudly reflects his numerous academic accolades and achievements, recognising excellence in leadership and service. But for Diego, leadership is not about titles or accolades.

“Leadership is about creating opportunities for others and helping people realise their potential,” he says.

This passion inspired him to launch his own youth development organisation, Raising Leaders of Tomorrow Foundation, which aims to empower young people to believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions. Among the organisation’s achievements has been a community career workshop that connected young people with professionals from fields including law, medicine, education and science, helping learners with practical steps to achieve their career goals.

The organisation has also hosted a stationery drive to support local primary school learners in the Westlake community and continues to create platforms for youth development and empowerment.

Inspired to give back

For Diego, Youth Month is not only about remembering the courage of the young people who stood up for change in 1976. It is also about recognising the power that today’s youth have to shape South Africa’s future.  He believes meaningful change happens when young people unite around a shared purpose.

“When we come together wanting positive change, we can create real change,” he says. “Young people have more power than they realise.”  This conviction drives much of his community work and underpins his commitment to helping others find their voice and pursue their dreams.

A mentor who helped shape the journey

A significant influence on Diego’s growth has been his mentor, Ruan Yacumakis, who was matched with him through the Prescient Foundation’s mentorship programme.

What began as a mentor-mentee relationship soon developed into a close friendship built on shared values and a passion for youth development.

“Ruan has taught me the importance of turning dreams into plans,” says Diego. “He asks the hard questions and helps me think about how to make ideas a reality.”

Reflecting on Diego’s journey, Ruan says: “Diego is one of the most purpose-driven young people I have had the privilege of mentoring. He is humble enough to learn from others and diligent about putting in the hard work. What stands out most is his genuine desire to serve others and create opportunities for young people around him. I have no doubt that he will continue to make a meaningful impact wherever life takes him.”

Mentor Ruan Yacumakis with Diego Cornelius and Meryl Bendie from the Prescient Foundation

Investing in future leaders

Diego’s story is one example of the transformative impact of the Prescient Foundation’s Scholarship Programme.  Education sits at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, driven by the belief that every young person deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Since 2018, the programme has provided funding and mentorship to high–potential learners from Grade 7 through to Grade 12, supporting their academic, leadership and personal development journeys.

Beyond educational support, the Foundation actively encourages scholars to “pay it forward” by contributing to their communities and becoming positive role models for others.  Diego has embraced that philosophy wholeheartedly.

“The Prescient Foundation has helped me a lot by supporting my education and encouraging me to do my best,” he says. “Because of them, I’ve been able to take on leadership roles and start projects that help others believe in themselves. I’m grateful for everything they’ve done for me and hope to make them proud by giving back to my community.”

As South Africa celebrates Youth Month, Diego’s story serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when young people are given opportunity, guidance and belief.

His message to other young people is simple but profound: “You are made for more. Chase your dreams, believe in your potential and never let your circumstances determine where you are going.”