When 19-year-old Janet Gapare first came to the Greater Germiston Child Welfare for help in obtaining an ID, she barely said anything.
This is a far cry from the confident young woman who was named the 2015 Dux Student at Reunet College, in Alrode, in Alberton.
In addition to the Dux trophy Janet also took home trophies for algebra, geometry and chemistry.
She was introduced to Reunet College through Child Welfare.
“We found out that Janet was doing well at school, but there were limited resources to help her go further,” explained director of Germiston Child Welfare Barbara Bouwer.
“When I met Janet I had the college in the back of my mind and thought this would be a good combination, so we assisted in her admission to the college.”
Janet’s admission to the college included a series of tests, as well as one-on-one interviews.
“I think only 80 students are selected to take part in the college’s IEB programme,” said Barbara.
Janet has loved her time at Reunet, though in the beginning she believed it would hold her back.
“I have learnt not just maths and science, but important life skills and computer skills,” said Janet.
“They have prepared us for varsity; they really teach you about life, to look after yourself and focus yourself.”
Janet has applied to attend medical school next year, but this is not her only option, with a number of the college’s partnering companies offering her scholarships.
“We are holding thumbs for medical school and the companies are holding thumbs that she’ll accept their offers,” Barbara joked.
Janet decided that she wanted to go into medicine because she loves helping people.
“The feeling of helping and changing people’s lives gives me great joy and I would love to feel that every day,” she said.
“We are so proud of her and are so happy we were involved,” Barbara said.
Janet shows that hard work pays off and that you can rise above any situation.
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Germiston Child Welfare grateful for revamped toilets
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