There is a tendency to see sport and education as opposites and the belief that if you are good at one, you don’t need the other.
Love Trust, a non-profit organisation with the vision to offer excellent Christian education to vulnerable children and their project school in President Park Nokuphila School, believe education and sport complement one another. Learners who participate in sports and excel academically were happier, healthier, and more well-rounded.
The organisation and school also believe that sport provides a platform for learners to not only develop physically but also to practise life lessons and interpersonal skills.
This approach has contributed to several success stories among the school’s alumni.
Two siblings who are former Nokuphila School learners and are making names for themselves in their respective sports spoke about how playing sport had changed their lives and the role Love Trust had played.
Grade 10 learner at Eqinisweni Secondary School Tshwarelo Chiloane will soon take part in regional netball trials. She plays guard attack although feels confident playing any position.
She has received accolades at nearly every level of the sport she has competed in. This has boosted her confidence both on and off the field and made her more assertive in her ambitions and goals.
Tshwarelo felt she had gained leadership skills and determination while also making good friends. She believed the sport had given her a platform to shine and showcase her talents and helped her keep fit and healthy.
Sibling and Grade 9 learner at Tsosoloso ya Africa Secondary School, Lesego had been selected to train with the Mamelodi Sundowns U17 team.
Like his sister, he had been exposed to new places and people through sport which had afforded him broader viewpoints and experiences outside of his community and school.
Lesego has also garnered numerous accolades as a soccer player. He will soon test his mettle against other aspiring soccer players, many of whom are older than him, for a spot in the Sundowns team.
Despite the lack of support, encouragement, equipment, or even sports grounds at their current schools, these siblings managed to achieve all of this.
The two siblings were grateful to Love Trust and Nokuphila School for giving them hope and guiding them in their sporting careers as well as donating sports equipment during their tuition there.
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