Juanita Kalunga from Curro Aurora in Sundowner completed her 2016 Grade 12 exams against all odds.
She managed to write her matric despite being diagnosed with a serious illness in Grade 11, which grew progressively worse during her matric year.
The illness, which largely affects the spinal area, remains a mystery to medical practitioners and extensive research is currently being conducted in order to diagnose the condition. Despite her adverse circumstances, Juanita achieved a bachelor’s degree pass with a distinction in English home language.
She recently received an award for academic excellence during the Top Achievers Awards ceremony held at Emperors Palace to honour and announce the 2016 top matric performers as well as the top performing schools in the Curro group.
Spending her final two academic years in debilitating pain, Kalunga ‘s ability to complete the school year was questioned on numerous occasions. Despite her circumstances, she always remained adamant that she would complete the year, and complete it well.
Kalunga was a prime example of the triumph of the human spirit and was admired and respected by her peers and educators alike.
She hopes to attend the University of the Witwatersrand this year to pursue a bachelor of health sciences degree. “Medicine is a passion of mine and I’m hoping to possibly specialise in neurology in the future,” she said.
Understanding adversity was the ultimate lesson that Kalunga has taken from her ordeal, she said, “At some point in your life, you have to face your situation and adjust accordingly. It’s possible to overcome anything with the right support.”
Details: Curro Aurora 011 795 7100.
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