Centre helps kids excel
ALEXANDRA - Two Alex youths from severely disadvantaged background have thanked NPO Leratong Joy For One for enabling them qualify for university study.
Two Alex youths from severely disadvantaged backgrounds have thanked NPO Leratong Joy For One for enabling them to qualify for university study.
Siphelele Nkomoyahlaba’s story is one of rejection after the remarriage of a stepfather following the death of his aunt. “They [stepfather and step mother] blamed me for every wrong thing in the home until the centre took me in, gave me comfort and study space from Grade 11,” he said. Paulina Mwenda said the divorce of her parents and the care from her mother, who also supported three other siblings, an unemployed uncle and granny from meagre resources was a painful experience. “We struggled daily until I was taken in by the centre.”
Nkomoyahlaba attended Minerva Secondary and Mwenda attended Marlboro Secondary. They want to attend the University of Johannesburg to keep close to the centre. Nkomoyahlaba passed all subjects with an overall B symbol and wants to do business management, law or education. ” I have a knack for solving problems, teaching others and debating which will be good for my plans to operate my own business. The centre gave me space, time and a family setting to pursue my dream,” he stated.
Mwenda who received a distinction and above 70 percent mark in five subjects, wants to take a gap year to raise money in case she doesn’t get a bursary or scholarship. She urged children with similar challenges not to let their circumstances define them. “Education is not a preparation for a better life but life itself, as it rectifies one’s negative or sorrowful circumstances. It’s an equaliser between the rich and the poor,” she said poetically.
Both attributed their passing to a strict study culture ahead of parties and leisure events preferred by many youths. They helped supervise the other 7 to 18 year olds at the centre with their evening study sessions before embarking on their own between 9pm and early morning. Commending centre manager Peggy Chauke said most Alex children lacked homely comfort, appropriate care and role models to help guide them.
Meanwhile Chauke said some drug-addicted children in the centre’s care wanted to emulate the two pupils and want to return to school or seek employment.
Details: Leratong Joy For One; 011 264 0042.
