POLOKWANE – You are never too old to educate yourself, that is the motto of Freddy Skobie (40), a supportive husband and proud father of five-year-old twins. He says even though he failed Gr 12 twice, he never stopped working hard to make a success of his life.
“One of the main reasons I failed Gr 12 was because I lacked motivation. I did not have guidance or a vision for my future. That is why I want to encourage learners to do their best in school,” he explains.
After he failed Gr 12 for a second time, he enrolled at a technicon. “I completed my N1 to N3, a Gr 12 equivalent at the technicon,” he says.
After he completed his studies, he secured an apprenticeship at Defy Appliances as a technician.
“It was during this time in my life that I realised I had the opportunity to make a success of my life. My employer enrolled me at a technicon where I completed my N4 to N6 which gave me exemption so I could apply for a degree at a university.”
Skobie later opened his own construction company. He also relocated to Limpopo, where he completed a degree in social work at the University of Limpopo.
“After I completed my four-year degree, I took a job at the Department of Social Development. By that time I had a thirst for knowledge and wanted to continue studying,” Skobie completed a masters’ degree through Unisa and has since applied for a PhD degree at the University of Pretoria.
“My plan is to one day become a professor who has the ability to help others discover their potential and a love for education, especially the youth. I want to motivate, guide and encourage them not to lose hope, even if they encounter several setbacks.”
