Many studies have pointed out that children who grow up in poor single-parent households are far more likely to become poor adults as they, due to the associated socioeconomic factors, tend to fare worse academically and have limited success in the labour market.
However, a young Boksburg woman who grew up in the face of adversity in the high-poverty neighbourhood of Ramaphosa has proven that is not always the case.
The 22-year-old Bahle Gqola grew up in a poor household headed by a single parent, but she managed to beat all the odds as she demonstrated consistent high levels of academic achievements. She has gone on to become a teacher at the same school she attended.
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This is despite, for example, receiving her primary education at a poor school, Ekukhanyeni Primary.
She pointed out that her former teachers at Ekukhanyeni inspired her to become a teacher, and she is now in her second year of university studying for a BEd in the senior and FET phase. She is studying through Unisa.
“When I started my academic journey at Ekukhanyeni, I didn’t understand the actual reason for going to school, but the support I received from my former teachers was top-notch. It gave me the added drive and motivation to do better. It was a strong foundation that helped me to believe in myself and my prospects.
“My expectations and the defined aspirations for my schooling saw me rank top of my class and I started to see myself as a good student. Thus someone who could go far in her studies,” explained Gqola.
Her self-belief was also supported by the encouragement she received from her family and the people she surrounded herself with, as well as other community structures.
She has taken it upon herself to help other children, those who come from very poor households in particular.
“As part of my training, early this year, I decided to do my teaching internship at my former school as a way of saying thank you for the support they showed me. Because this school did a lot for me, I subsequently decided to continue serving as a teacher.
“I know most of my peers prefer to go to well-resourced institutions perhaps in affluent areas, but I said to myself this school moulded me to become what I am today, therefore I owed it to the institution and my community to come back and inspire the children to work hard regardless of challenging circumstances. And I find this fulfilling.
“I want to use this opportunity to encourage my learners that even if you come from a poor background just like me, you can overcome all the odds, fare well, and even thrive later in life.”
Gqola’s worst memory was of her father’s death when she was aged 16.
“Although my mother and father were separated, my dad would contribute to the household what he could. But his passing meant that the burdens of supporting the family grew on my mother who was a domestic worker.”
After she matriculated from Alafang Secondary in Katlehong, Gqola secured a two-year internship contract offered by a local company. Although this was not the job she always wanted to do, she was happy because she earned a salary to help supplement her mother’s earnings and for her schooling.
“I do understand all the factors that account for economic disparities, but for me what counts is your mindset and how a person is motivated.
“I understand that sometimes the road to happiness or success is paved with adversities, but keeping a positive mindset even when things get tough helps you a lot to achieve your dreams. Your family background doesn’t have to define what you become in the future.
“Look, this is one of the reasons why I decided to come back to my former school and encourage children from my community to change their mindset, as this helps a lot to withstand the prevailing unfavourable circumstances and temptations offered in our neighbourhood.
“I have also motivated my siblings and many young people in my neighbourhood.
“I have heard many people saying what’s the point of going to school when you are likely to come back and join the unemployed graduates. I always remind them that education is the key to success, and regardless of the position you’re currently in, it is a very significant tool that you will require for later life. It makes you capable of performing certain tasks as well as meeting work requirements.”
The principal of the school, Mapule Gwangwa, said they are very proud of Gqola.
“We call her our baby. She had always demonstrated determination to continue her studies and she had a reputation as a ‘clever student.
“Our support while she was here and after she had left our school played a pivotal role in steering her on the right path.
“We are grateful that she decided to come back here to use her personal experience to inspire and motivate many children,” said Gwangwa.
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