New beginnings for pupil

Tinyiko Nkuna, a 13-year old pupil from E.W Hobbs Primary School, received a scholarship to attend the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) from next year. Through a series of tests, Nkuna proved herself and received the two-year scholarship.

“I was very excited when I heard the news but I was also worried that I now have to leave the community that I grew up in,” Nkuna said.

She knows that a lot of hard-work is expected from her but she is willing to give her best to receive a scholarship to matriculate from OWLAG. The school provides scholarships from Grade 8 to 9 and depending on their performance, pupils will either be placed in other schools or receive another scholarship to complete their matric at OWLAG. Nkuna is described, by her teachers as an academic, independent, committed, focused pupil, she knows how to stand up for herself, when to talk and when to keep quiet.

“I got those qualities from my mother,” Nkuna said.

She grew up in Freedom Park with her unemployed mother. Nkuna was the top pupil at E.W Hobbs since Grade one and is ready to keep the title at the OWLAG.

“I will stay focused and be myself because I want to be the top pupil at the school,” she said.

Once she matriculates, Nkuna sees herself studying abroad to become a surgeon because “most people die from internal diseases so I would like to help them (get better),” she said. Nkuna also dreams of becoming a motivational speaker. She said that children shouldn’t lose sight of their dreams.

“Work hard, even thought you didn’t reach your goal yet, work towards it, never give up and do your best,” Nkuna said.

Cecil Christian, principal of E.W Hobbs is proud of Nkuna and that she is a product of the school.

“We are all proud of her and the teachers who played a role in her life.

“This achievement shows that our children can rise above social ills like drugs and teenage pregnancy,” Christian said.