The eleventh South African classroom is dedicated to Kathryne and Robert Leonard, who met in medical school, married, raised three children, and worked together for over 30 years to build Leonard Hair Transplant Associates into New England’s most respected hair loss practice. Their involvement with Universal Promise began in 2014, when their daughter Victoria traveled with UP to Nomathamsanqa to help launch a women’s rights initiative. The Leonards’ loyalty to Universal Promise – which subsequently grew to include steadfast support at all fundraisers and the sponsorship of many children in our Uphuhliso Program - underscores their unwavering respect for education and its unparalleled power.
In 2015, Kathy extended her financial endorsement to include participation in our two-week volunteerism in South Africa. As part of a medical team, Kathy and her daughter conducted door-to-door screenings, counseled patients, led education sessions, and gathered data that continue to inform our efforts in the Eastern Cape. While volunteering, Kathy visited Vusumzi Primary School to see the state-of-the-art computer lab that her husband and she helped fund through their purchase of 10 HP touchscreen laptops. With access to twenty-first century equipment, Vusumzi Primary School students now use top-grade educational software to hone their math and reading skills. Educators are equally grateful to expand their mastery of modern technology, all in the name of delivering a proper academic experience. Students and teachers are also now free to explore the wealth of information on the Internet and to develop the research skills such exploration demands. In Bob Leonard's words, “All children deserve access to the fruits of technology. Our hope is that they connect with one another, their community, and the world.”
The Leonards’ role in this unprecedented effort has helped us lay the foundation for true academic and career success. We are grateful for their generosity and their investment in education – the most sustainable and impactful asset of all.
Honored by Universal Promise for their generosity on behalf of those we serve