![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2019/01/sgelefirst1_97676.jpg)
Daveyton-based NGO Sgela First hosted an event recently during which the top ten 2018 matric learners from schools in and around Daveyton were rewarded with university hampers.
According to the head organiser, Lesego Rantsho, Sgela First aims to encourage high school learners to take their education seriously and to make their studies a priority.
“We are on a quest to motivate learners to stay in school and further their studies, and that is how we derived the name Sgela First, which in township slang basically means ‘school first’,” said Rantsho.
“Last year, we gave a university hamper to the top achieving matriculant from Petit High School, but this year we decided to give 10 top matric learners from 10 different schools around Daveyton each a hamper.
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“As former university students ourselves, we have witnessed how students depend on others for basic items, such as pots or an iron, and live at the mercy of others.
“These items are also generally overlooked when they plan for university and are also unaffordable to some families, which is why we decided on these specific contents of the hampers.
The learners who each received a hamper are:
• Nhlanhla Mkhabela (Petit High)
• Sabelo Khanye (HB Nyathi Secondary School)
• Martha Masinga (Hulwazi Secondary School)
• Asanda Mbatha (Mabuya Secondary School)
• Lehlogonolo Mampane (East Rand School of Arts)
• Naomi Monareng (Dinito Tech Secondary School)
• Londiwe Ntanda (Daveyton Secondary School)
• Robert Molepo (Unity Secondary School)
• Bongile Banjwa (Rivoni Secondary School)
• A learner from Lesiba Secondary School was not able to attend the handover, but will also receive a hamper.
One of the recipients, Sabelo Khanye, said a huge financial burden had been lifted thanks to Sgele First.
“I want to study to be an orthopedist so I can help my grandma who has spinal and back problems,” he explained.
“The other day my grandma and I were still trying to figure out where we will get the money for the basic necessities I will need while living at university.
“The Sgela First hamper has removed a huge burden from our shoulders.”
Rantsho said the event was a success despite the fact that they faced financial difficulties with the project along the way.
“I would like to congratulate the Sgela First team and everyone who collaborated with us to pull this off.
“It was mostly the matriculants who made our event such a success,” concluded Rantsho.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/26/2019/01/sgelefirst2_06781-520x390.jpg)
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