Dedicated pupils beat the odds to win prestigious scholarships
Three learners from rural Nkomazi have managed to earn R2,7 million in scholarships due to dedication and hard work.
KAMHLUSHWA – Three students sat in the same row in Sidlamafa Secondary School in KaMhlushwa. Justice Masinga and Rodger Chinhangue sat at one desk and Samkelisiwe Chissano next to them. These three, out of approximately 70 students in the classroom, have collected R2,7 million in scholarships.
The odds are stacked against students from rural areas, and the perception is that they are doomed to failure.
So how did these students manage to get on the road of success?
After a stringent acceptance progress, they became part of Imagine Scholar, an afterschool mentorship programme that unleashes the potential of each individual by employing an alternative approach to enhancing critical thinking, communication skills, community engagement, and character development.
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Rodger successfully built and raced and award-winning electric vehicle, designed a solar-power system and was just one of seven South Africans accepted to complete his high school career at the prestigious United World College Dilijan in Armenia.
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He is currently completing his international baccalaureate, after receiving a scholarship to complete the two years at the college. He hopes to further his career in the fields of engineering and environmental sustainability.
Justice, a quiet and dedicated leader, is a deeply rooted pillar in Imagine Scholar’s community. His thoughtful approach is reflected in his aptitude for chess. Justice established local chess tournaments to share his passion and foster critical thinking skills for youth in the Nkomazi region.
In early 2017 Justice was accepted into the African Leadership Academy with a full R800 000 scholarship.
Samkelisiwe was also accepted into the African Leadership Academy.
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A consistently top-performing student and recent attendee to the Yale Young Global Scholar’s programme at Yale’s main campus in New Haven, Connecticut, she received $60,000 in scholarships to complete her studies.
Visit the Imagine Scholar website for more on the organisation.
