After a four-year-long journey, Reddam House Bedfordview learners Kiandra Ramdhari and Jonathan Ribiero were presented with the gold award of the President’s Award.
The award was presented to the learners on October 21.
While in Grade Eight, in 2016, the learners took up the challenge and progressed from the bronze award to the gold level of the award over the years.
Each level required them to complete a skill, sport, community service and embark on an adventurous journey.
Jonathan said the service side of the award was a real eye-opener.
“In my opinion, you see certain things that make you appreciate every little thing you have in your life because for some people these little things are a luxury.”
“Through the service aspect of the award, I learned that the people who have the least to give are often the ones who give everything they have,” said Kiandra.
She said while doing community service she met Megan, the organiser of the Beanies for Being charity.
“Megan is someone who puts everyone else’s needs above her own,” said Kiandra.
“She sacrifices so that someone else doesn’t have to and that gave me hope that the world isn’t only full of negative people.”
Jonathan said concerning the sports section of the award all that could be done was to keep on training and improve your skills of the sport.
Kiandra said through the journey she was able to pursue her interest in photography.
“My photography is something that I can now do as a way for me to relieve stress and I can capture moments that no one else can.”
Jonathan, on the other hand, pursued being part of a choir improving his singing skills as he progressed through the levels of the award.
The adventurous journey saw the learners go hiking and white-water rafting on the Orange River.
Jonathan said being able to go white-water rafting was an amazing experience.
While hiking during the bronze level of her award Kiandra fell ill and during her hike for the silver level she dislocated her knee in Nepal.
“Hiking taught me more than I could learn in a classroom,” said Kiandra.
“It taught me determination and I learned that there will always be tough times in life but that’s no reason to give up.”
During the gold level, the learners completed a residential project at an animal rehabilitation centre.
They interacted with animals, maintained and cleaned enclosures.
“We have met amazing people whom we’ll have friendships with for a long time to come,” said Jonathan.
He encouraged others to pursue the award.
Like Jonathan Kiandra said the journey was a major factor in their lives for the past 4 years.
“It has truly grown us into young people who are confident and courageous.”
