“With support and care, you can rise above your circumstances, thus giving wings to your dreams.”

This is the message Njabulo, a former St Dunstan’s College student, wants the class of 2025 matriculants to hold onto as they prepare for their final exams.

Currently in his first year at university, Njabulo’s journey was marred by uncertainty, which threatened to derail his future.

Sitting in the homely lounge of the Matthew 25 Project foster home, the aspiring legal eagle recounts how a routine scripture reading during a morning assembly set him on the path to success.

“During 2021 and 2022, my mom and I moved around a lot. I was enrolled in more schools than I can remember,” said the TUKS student.

“At the beginning of 2023, I started Grade 10 at St Dunstan’s. I was an average student but soon became a contributing member of the school’s newspaper and spirituality committee.”

Njabulo and his mother finally felt they had found stability in Cloverdene, and he was hopeful he would complete his school career in Benoni.

“My mom became ill, which left her bedridden. I kept praying for her healing, but her health continued to deteriorate. Our family thought it best to take her to Mpumalanga,” he said.

“Suddenly I was on my own. For three months, I did my best to maintain school attendance, but soon letters stating that my school fees were in arrears started flooding in.”

Fearing he might have to change schools again, Njabulo withdrew, keeping a low profile to avoid drawing attention from teachers and rector Warwick Taylor.

As a member of the school’s spirituality committee, the day on which he had to lead the morning scripture reading and prayer approached.

Filled with anxiety, Njabulo feared stepping onto the podium could expose his circumstances, potentially forcing him to leave school for good.

“I prayed, seeking guidance. On the morning of my reading, I opened my Bible and read from Matthew 25,” he recalled.

“As expected, Mr Warwick called me to his office, and I had no choice but to lay it all on the table. I was placed in the care of Carol and Garry Foster, founders of the Matthew 25 Project. They opened their hearts and home to me—not only giving me a place to stay but ensuring that I stayed in school.”

With a newfound sense of safety and security, Njabulo excelled academically, attaining his full colours and achieving the highest marks in maths. Two of his written works were published in the international publication AuVert magazine under the pseudonym Heusque Foster. He also became the recipient of the school’s Bishop’s Award, bestowed on students who demonstrate the most resilience despite hardships.

“I have not had a fairy-tale childhood, but I have learnt that human beings are resilient,” said the 19-year-old.

“You need to keep your head up, face each challenge, and will yourself to rise above to achieve your goals. If you remain focused and trust in God, nothing is impossible.”

Currently ranked among the top ten academic achievers in his university residence of 1 000 students, Njabulo encourages matriculants not to let exam stress and anxiety stifle their potential.

“The looming final exams are the launch pad to your future. They are not the end of a chapter but rather the foundation for what you can achieve,” he said.

“Self-care during this time is of the utmost importance. Get enough sleep, maintain a healthy diet, exercise, and surround yourself with people who support your dreams. Balance and preparation will ensure that you face every paper with confidence.”

On his plans, Njabulo said he has yet to identify a clear speciality within the legal field.

“I find family law incredibly interesting; perhaps that is where I will find myself,” he said.

“For now, I am focusing on my studies while setting aside equal time for my theological teachings.”

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