Percy shares his GOAL by assisting other youths
The dynamic youth, Percy Mojapelo, says he wants to bring about academic transformation in his community to help eradicate illiteracy and alleviate poverty.
POLOKWANE – Percy, who hails from Mankweng unit D, offers academic support to people in his community by tutoring Gr 12 learners, assisting them with applications to higher learning institutions, career guidance and motivational talks.
The 18-year-old is the Marketing Director and head tutor at Gallery of Academic Leaders (Goal) which was formed early in the year.
“When I was in Gr 12, my family could not afford to take me to winter school for extra lessons. I know how difficult it is to suffer because of your background, that’s why I am offering to assist those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds like me so that they can also achieve better results.”
He says he also offers personal assistance to Gr 10 and 11 learners in this community and surrounding areas.
Percy says Goal is a unique project which exposes rural learners to academic opportunities which they can consider after matriculating. “Most learners often worry about financial means of covering university costs, especially knowing that their parents cannot afford it. Offering them extra lessons will help them to pass with flying colours and that way they will be able to qualify for bursaries to further their studies.”
He says he doesn’t want learners in his community to miss out on opportunities such as these as education can help curb many social ills.
Percy explains what makes it easy for him to be a driving force of the project is that he has been in a similar situation and, most importantly, he understands the needs of learners who do not have the means of accessing all the demands their education requires.
He says he could not afford to buy extra materials such as study guides and used to borrow from others.
“I know that learning in a group also helps those who do not have their own material as they get to share with others while they exchange their knowledge, particularly if they missed out on classes.”
Percy says he is thankful to the University of Limpopo which offered them space where they can conduct their seminars. He explains that he faces his fair share of challenges running the project such as covering costs for tutors, which include transport and catering since they are volunteers, so it becomes difficult for them to spend much whereas they don’t benefit.
“We call on the public to assist the project in any way possible to help us reach our goals of educating the youth and eradicating poverty,” he urges.
The business management student says his goal is to venture into business and is currently working on registering his events management company which he says will create employment for other youths.
“You have to strive to touch as many lives as possible in your lifetime because every blessing comes from the difference you make to those around you. It doesn’t matter how young you are, just do all can you can wholeheartedly.”
Learners who would like to be a part of Goal can connect with him on Facebook at Perseverance Percy Mojapelo.
