Mikyle Blouw: A journey of perseverance and purpose in Youth Month

At just 22, Mikyle Blouw is reshaping the blueprint of his life - one design at a time.

The architectural intern from Ocean View is the first in his family to attend university. He is a former head boy, a Prescient Foundation bursary recipient, and a passionate rugby coach.

But behind these achievements is a young man who understands what it means to fight for his future.

“Where you come from doesn’t have to be where you end up,” says Mikyle, adding that it’s what you do with the chances you get.

Growing up in a household of six children, school was a challenge.

Mikyle’s journey began in a busy classroom in Ocean View at Marine Primary School, where staying focused wasn’t always easy.

His older brother became his role model, encouraging him to strive for greater heights.

In 2010, his life took a turn when his mother learned about a new bursary initiative.

That year, Laerskool Paul Greyling launched a bursary programme with support and funding from the Prescient Foundation, aimed at giving children from nearby disadvantaged communities a chance at better educational opportunities.

The Prescient Foundation provides secondary education scholarships to learners as part of its Schools and Leadership Programme.

Mikyle was selected.

“It wasn’t easy at first,” he said.

He repeated Grade 2 to catch up, but slowly began to thrive - thanks to teachers who believed in him, the structure of the school, and sports, which became a powerful outlet.

He ran cross-country, played rugby, and discovered that effort and consistency really could pay off.

By Grade 7, he had become head boy.

He was later accepted into Jan van Riebeeck High School, joined the hostel, and officially entered the foundation’s scholarship programme.

“There were teachers who supported me, and even the ones who didn’t just made me work harder to prove myself,” he said.

But the road hasn’t been without hardship.

His parents divorced while he was in high school, and during matric, he lost his grandmother—a woman who had been his biggest supporter.

“She used to call me ‘Kylie’ and always told me how hardworking I was. I carry her words with me every day," he said.

Throughout high school and university, the Prescient Foundation was a constant presence, covering school fees, transport, supplies, and mentorship.

“It was never just financial help, it was belief. It was people checking in on me, encouraging me,” he said.

Nicole Pinto, CEO of the Prescient Foundation, says the organisation is proud to walk alongside young changemakers like Mikyle.

“As we celebrate 20 years of the Prescient Foundation, we remain committed to building brighter futures—one learner at a time.”

Mikyle recently completed his diploma in Architectural Technology at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is interning at the Cape Town-based firm SVA International.

He’s applied to further his studies through an advanced diploma, while building experience in a fast-paced studio environment.

What he enjoys most about the field? “Designing something real - something that will actually stand in the world.”

His goals include owning his own home, maybe even designing it himself, and one day helping to support his siblings.

When he’s not working, Mikyle is usually on the field. He currently coaches rugby at Hamilton Rugby Football Club (RFC)  - something he describes as his “escape.”

He’s passionate about helping young players grow in confidence and skill.

“At the end of every season, I look forward to the next one - knowing I’ve left an impact, even if it’s just one boy who improved.”

He also gives back by sharing his story at Prescient Foundation leadership summits and mentoring other students in the programme.

Sport, he adds, has shaped him in more ways than one.

“It taught me to push through, to be consistent, and most importantly - to enjoy the process.”

This Youth Month, Mikyle’s journey is a reminder that resilience, backed by support and opportunity, can change the trajectory of a life.

“You don’t have to have everything figured out, just don’t stop believing you can do more, be more, and rise above it all," he said.