Forty matriculants in Alex who obtained between five and seven distinctions last year have paved their way to varsity, courtesy of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust.
The trust awarded R70 000 each to 20 of the best performers and an additional R40 000 to 20 of the next best performers for their studies at a university of their choice. This was announced by the chairman of the trust, Paul Mashatile at its prestigious annual ceremony to recognise, celebrate and reward the youngsters’ performances, and also to motivate the current matrics and other grades.
The trust, which has been operating since 2004, prides itself on being a platform that helps Alex children attain their educational and professional dreams, despite their depressed social and economic circumstances.
Stating that they didn’t have to worry or apply, as the trust would find them, Mashatile said all pupils have an equal chance, provided they worked hard and obtained good results, which should improve annually. Last year’s 70.2 percent was an improvement from the previous year’s 65.06 percent.
He added that 635 matriculants passed and obtained 92 distinctions. “This is cause for pride as previously, good passes were regarded the preserve of former model C and other well-resourced schools,” Mashatile said.
He added that the best two performers were girls from Kwabhekilanga and Realogile secondary schools who debunked the gender myth. A total of 534 girls wrote their exams compares with 384 boys.
The two also received additional rewards of smartphones which, he urged, should be used to further their education.
Also, the top five of the best performers received spending vouchers to the value of R2 500 while the best three of the five schools received monetary rewards. KwaBhekilanga, the best performing school for four years, achieved 92.8 per cent last year and received R100 000. Runner-up, Alex High, pocketed R60 000. The second runner-up, Eastbank High, received R40 000.
The awards were extended to the best performing pupils in grades 10 and 11 who, Mashatile said, deserved notice and as a motivation building up to matric. “Tradition shows these pupils become the best and the recipients of the trust’s awards.”
He said 31 youngsters in Grade 10 and 30 in Grade 11 would receive book prizes, with the top three per grade gaining additional incentives of R1 500, R1 000 and R500 in spending vouchers.
Mashatile added that, since its inception, there have been 190 beneficiaries with 48 graduates and eight more pending their graduation ceremonies. He commended them for assisting the trust by being role models, and said some of them were already in demand in various professions.
Details: Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust 011 885 2227.
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