Our Clifton Old Boys' Association recently had the pleasure of catching up with Ivan Vugampore (Class of 2010), all the way from Canada, for an insightful Q&A session.
We chatted about his incredible experience summiting Mount Kilimanjaro early last year and what motivated him to take on such a remarkable challenge. His passion for community service and active involvement in outreach initiatives also shone through.
A special part of Ivan’s journey is his early connection to Addington Primary, where he was awarded the Gail Teunissen Scholarship in Grade 8 which opened the door for him to attend Clifton School.
His story is the latest feature in our series ‘From Our Old Boys’ Network’, celebrating the achievements and adventures of our Old Boys around the world.
How did you end up where you are now?
After graduating from UKZN with a Bachelor of Commerce, I decided to take a leap of faith and move to Canada. Having never seen snow before, I thought moving to Winnipeg sounded like a fun adventure – until I discovered that winter there can feel colder than Mars! But instead of turning back, I went for a jog.
Although I was first introduced to the stock market by one of my English teachers in Grade 10, I had no idea it would evolve into a career. Later, I earned a designation as a Personal Financial Planner and now have about a decade of experience in the financial services sector. My work has taken me across Canada, from the western prairies to the cosmopolitan east. Along the way, I’ve been recognized as a top performer nationwide and had the honor of being a founding member of a division focused on the future of banking, launching a groundbreaking virtual department at Canada’s oldest bank.
I owe my success to the people who have believed in me and given me opportunities. At every stage of my life, I can point to someone who influenced or supported me. This pattern goes all the way back to primary school and brings to mind the Zulu philosophy of ubuntu: “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu,” which translates to “a person is a person through others.”
I'm particularly interested in hearing about your experience summiting Mount Kilimanjaro earlier this year and the motivation behind attempting such a challenging climb.
In all honesty, emerging from the COVID pandemic lockdowns, I felt a profound urgency to make up for lost time. I decided to request a “mini retirement” of sorts, given my role in assisting clients with retirement planning, I’m acutely aware that as we age, our priorities and abilities change. With a deep love for travel that had been on hold during the pandemic I was delighted when my request was approved for a six-month sabbatical to embark on a trip across Africa, most probably sparked by Mr. McCabe’s history classes all those years ago.
Traveling mostly solo allowed me to really get a first-hand experience into the fabrics of the countries while being flexible without fixed schedules. I was fortunate to leverage existing friendships on the continent for hospitality along the way. While I knew there was a high probability of climbing Kilimanjaro, it wasn’t a predetermined goal.
Nevertheless, I began training a few months before and conducted thorough research. The adventure began with celebrating New Year’s in Ghana. I spent a few weeks exploring the land and visiting points of historical significance. followed by a drive through Togo and Benin to Nigeria which painted a vivid picture of West Africa etched with authenticity.
Spontaneously, I seized opportunities to join in local outreach activities. In Ghana, I visited a school, providing study materials and a word of encouragement to the students. In Nigeria, I participated in a hospital visit, supporting patients and staff with the little we had. I also dedicated time in Tanzania to assist a new NGO with its economic programs for women as a consultant.
When the time came to climb Kilimanjaro, I hadn’t trained in a while due to continuous travel over the past few months. Nonetheless, I successfully summited in six days, a feat I attribute purely to will power. I had to pace myself. The most challenging part of the trip was the day of summiting where we woke up at midnight to begin climbing before the sun made the feat too difficult.
It took me about 8 hours to get to the top, my legs barely carried me all the way up and suddenly I realized for the first time that I still had to make my way back down from the peak! Following the ascent, my travels continued, exploring the rich history, safaris, and entertainment of East Africa. I journeyed by road through Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on the less beaten path exploring hidden gems such as hot springs and other wonders of nature before flying to South Africa. Eager to explore Johannesburg and Cape Town, I reconnected with friends and family in Durban before heading back to Canada. The entire experience was a dynamic blend of adventure and cultural immersion, making it a truly transformative journey
What are some of the good/fond memories you forged during your time whilst still a schoolboy at Clifton?
Some of my fondest memories from Clifton are a mix of laughter, music, and a little mischief. I loved being an extra in school plays, whether it was To Kill a Mockingbird, Macbeth, or even The Matrix. Mr. McCabe’s spontaneous gestures – like randomly taking the history class out for ice cream – always brought a sense of fun and surprise to the day.
Cracking jokes in Mr. Mhlongo’s Zulu class and the hilarious shenanigans in science, including the time a mischievous classmate almost blew up the lab, kept school life full of laughter. Singing at the top of my voice during Mr. Thompson’s hymn rehearsals was another highlight, as were school field trips – whether camping adventures or historical tours – which I always looked forward to.
“These memories remind me of the joy and camaraderie of school life, and they’ve stayed with me long after leaving Clifton.”
Ivan Vugampore
Who or what experience had the biggest impact on your life whilst still a schoolboy at Clifton?
During my school days at Clifton, one of the most significant influences on my life came from my involvement in outreach initiatives, particularly my work with Isibonelo High School and other community projects. Receiving the Gail Teunissen Scholarship from Addington Primary School, along with the many acts of kindness from teachers, further ignited my passion for service – leaving a lasting impact that continues to shape my values and actions today.
Over the years, I’ve remained actively involved with numerous non-profit organizations. This has included providing mentorship, supporting the development of Black talent, and promoting financial literacy among youth.
Recently, I was recognized by my employer for my community involvement and had the honor of serving as one of the ambassadors for our annual BMO 2023 Employee Giving Campaign, which raised $31 million for communities across Canada and the USA.
What did you take away with you from Clifton: lessons, skills, friendships etc.?
The friendships I formed at Clifton have truly stood the test of time. Even when separated by miles, it’s always a joy to reconnect with fellow Old Boys. Being part of a small, close-knit school fostered strong bonds, where reaching out to students across grades felt natural and effortless.
Beyond friendships, Clifton taught me the value of community, collaboration, and supporting one another – lessons that continue to guide me in both my personal and professional life. It instilled a sense of responsibility and the confidence to engage with people from all walks of life.
“For me, Clifton wasn’t just a school – it was a foundation for lifelong connections and enduring values.”
Ivan Vugampore
What advice would you share with yourself as a schoolboy knowing what you know now?
If I could give my younger self advice, it would be this: Always stay curious – there’s so much to learn if you ask questions and explore.
Build meaningful relationships, because the people around you will shape your journey. Embrace challenges, even when they seem daunting, as they help you grow.
Don’t be afraid to fail – just don’t fail on purpose – and see each setback as a lesson. Finally, remember that actions and words go hand in hand; what you do reinforces what you say, and both matter.
Any last thoughts?
I’m truly grateful to be part of this community and to share so many memories together. It’s always wonderful to hear from more Old Boys and see where life has taken them since school.
A special thank-you to the teachers who shaped us along the way -through their kindness, passion, and even the occasional tough moment!
I’ve always appreciated how they made each subject feel personal and pushed us to think differently. As they say, it takes a village to raise a child, and we were lucky to have ours at Clifton.
Thank you, Ivan, for sharing your story and reflecting on your time at Clifton. Here’s to the shared stories, the friendships that never fade, and the pride we carry for the place that helped shape who we are today.
We wish you every success for the future and cannot wait to see what new adventures come your way. May we continue to celebrate one another and keep the Clifton spirit alive in all we do.
#FromOurOldBoysNetwork #WhereAreTheyNow #AdventureAwaits
