St Annes learner wins bursary to Germany

A 13-year-old girl is off to Germany later this month to begin her high schooling in Berlin after winning a scholarship via the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy.

Bertha Mpithi was invited by the academy in May last year to write a test for a chance to win a scholarship to study in Germany.

“Why Germany? Because I want to study medicine and one day be an aquamarine scientist,” said Bertha.

“Being a marine scientist is a very unique and peaceful career and it’s not that recognised in South Africa. I plan to study in Germany and other countries and bring back home what I’ve learnt to grow the profession in South Africa and get others interested.”

Bertha received a warm send-off from her school during a special assembly in her honour on the St Annes Primary school grounds in Atteridgeville.

The walls were decorated with well wishes and German flags.

Representatives of the school, Department of Education, SAPS, and partners were all in attendance.

The service started with a singing of the national anthems of Germany and South Africa, and attendees were treated to performances by fellow and former learners, and speakers and a heartfelt thank you from Bertha herself.

“I want to thank my family, my principal, the programme director, everyone who came by and of course, all my fellow learners here at St Annes and the community of Atteridgeville, thank you so much.”

Principal Martha Gladwin said she was ecstatic when she learned the news and hoped the achievement would inspire her other learners to strive for excellence.

“You have represented St Annes, you have represented South Africa and we thank and congratulate you. When you go over there they’ll ask you where are you from and they’ll know the talent that this school and this country produces,” Gladwin said during her address.

Gladwin also thanked Bertha’s parents for allowing her to pursue the scholarship, suggesting that most parents would be hesitant to send their young child abroad.

She commended them for allowing Bertha to seize the opportunity.

“This is the result of the three-legged-pot. If learners, staff and parents work together, this is the result that can come out and it’s beautiful to see,” Gladwin added.

Bertha’s mother Maureen Mpiti, thanked the school for all the help she and her child received such as donations and support.

“I want to thank the teachers, learners, partners, everyone who came out to help. I want to thank my child for being a seed that will be planted and will reap fruit that will impact her and everyone around her.

“I thank myself for raising Bertha as well and my father, Bertha’s grandfather for supporting us through thick and thin as a single parent,” Maureen said.

Anges Raboshakga, of the Gauteng education Tshwane South said that there was no way she could miss the occasion as academic excellence in public schools is what the department strives for.

“I think that it’s going to inspire others to know that hard work and determination pay off. We usually see this from model C schools but we are very proud to show that learners from townships can also thrive just as well,” Raboshakga.

Raboshakga said they aim for all township schools in the district to achieve the same as Saulridge Secondary School, which achieved a 97% matric pass rate earlier this year. They want to continue to make Atteridgeville known for being one of the top academically performing townships in the country.

Bertha still needs support for her travels as there are certain things her scholarship does not cover. Residents and interested stakeholders are urged to assist with donations of a laptop, luggage for travel and pocket money.

ALSO READ: Central residents enjoy Valentine’s Day

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram