Wits students come to the aid of high school pupils
ALEXANDRA – Two Alex youths studying at Wits University have started Saturday classes to tutor high school pupils and ensure they pass matric.
Siyabulela Mokebe (20), a third-year chemical engineering student at Wits University, was so touched by the circumstances of two friends, one of whom failed matric while the other dropped out of school, that their predicament inspired him to start Saturday classes for pupils of Alex high schools.
“I was so moved by the broken lives and futures of my friends, such that, I decided to spring into action and help other children so they too don’t fall into the same trap and situation.
“I realised that my friends were not alone in this unfortunate situation of failing matric and having to drop out of school, and I thought there was something I could do to help,” Mokebe said in an interview with Alex News.
After a serious discussion with a friend at varsity, Fernando Sibiya (21), a final year BSc Computer Science student, Mokebe then approached veteran Alex philanthropist, Beauty More of Thusong Youth Centre with his ideas and the need for a venue to host his Saturday classes.
After listening carefully to his story, More welcomed Mokebe with open arms and offered him the use of her facilities at no cost, as it was for a good cause and would uplift the lives of pupils and the community at the same time.
Mokebe said that his two friends were also part of the project, which is known as Tamanna for Change, tamanna being Hindi for desire.
“It is our desire to ensure that we make a meaningful change in the lives of those pupils about to embark on their new future so they do not fall into the same predicament,” said Mokebe, who has a penchant for the Indian language.
Mokebe and Sibiya said their class was a mixed masala, which grades 10 to 12 pupils, together with those aspiring to rewrite matric, some of whom are currently in FET Colleges, attend.
Without a sponsor or funding for their project, Mokebe and Sibiya said they were funding it from their own pockets and sometimes received help from friends, their parents, and relatives to ensure the project becomes a success and has the desired impact.
The pair said they would gladly welcome sponsors, partners and possible funders, as many of their student tutors were eager to become part of the project and be volunteer tutors but were hamstrung by finances.
Mokebe and Sibiya were in the same matric class of 2013 at Minerva Secondary School and also live in proximity to the school in Alex. Their project is registered with the Department of Social Development.
Details: Siyabulela Mokebe 071 780 6565; Fernando Sibiya 062 241 5909; tamanna4change@gmail.com
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