Lesedi Nkwe’s journey began in 2010 when he was in Grade 6 at Rosebank Primary School and living in Jabulani, a small township in Soweto.
The youngster had a big dream. The reality of high school was quickly approaching and he was excited by the prospect. “I had absolutely no clue how everything would turn out, of course, but I had an inherent faith that God would make a plan for me to prosper, regardless of my immediate circumstances. My family has always struggled to make ends meet. However, at that particular time, it seemed things could not possibly get any bleaker, owing to the fact that my sister had just enrolled at university and we simply could not find funding for her,” said Nkwe.
Read Musical Redhill pupil shines
To go to a prestigious high school was his dream, yet with each passing day, it became more obvious that it was not within his parents’ means to realise this dream. Nonetheless, they persevered and encouraged him to sign up for the Student Sponsorship Programme (SSP).
“From the moment I received my scholarship, my life changed. I could not be more thankful to my mother and father for their determination to ensure that I could be afforded the opportunities they were not fortunate enough to have had, and to SSP for enabling me to fulfil my potential and be the person I have always wanted to be.”
In 2012, Nkwe began his high school career at Redhill High School. Coming from a very different background from his peers, he found it difficult to transition into his new environment but was fortunate to discover that Redhill is a community where it does not matter where you are from but rather who you are now and where you choose to go.
Read GALLERY – Matric pupils make Redhill High School proud
Nkwe took advantage of every opportunity that came his way. He served as vice-president of his school’s Interact Outreach Programme and as chairperson of the Outreach committee of the Johannesburg 6 Junior Council,
“Right now, I find myself at yet another precipice, unsure of what other amazing opportunities the future holds. Again, I am a child with a dream, this time of studying B Com (Law) and becoming a corporate lawyer.
“If SSP has taught me anything, it is to dare to dream, because no matter who you are, no matter where you are from, your dreams are valid.”
Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name and surname to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.
