From Spelling Bee to a Tech degree
Graduating this degree isn't just a personal achievement for him, it's a celebration of his whole family as it represents years of hard work, sacrifices, and a dream fulfilled.
From a bright young learner in Grade Five to a higher education degree holder in Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences, Lamont Larnelle Philander’s educational journey has been an inspirational one as he recently graduated from the IIE MSA.
Lamont’s journey with the IIE MSA began back in 2013 when he placed second in the annual spelling bee competition and was awarded a full tertiary education scholarship from the then Monash South Africa while he was still a learner at Eldocrest Primary School. The competition was run by A Better Africa Foundation in partnership with IIE MSA, Nedbank Capital and the Department of Education.
“The moment they announced my name as the winner, it felt surreal, almost like a dream,” Lamont recalls. “I was just a kid spelling words, and suddenly, I had earned a full tuition scholarship to a recognised university. It was an unforgettable moment.”
The scholarship provided Lamont with peace of mind, as he knew that his education was partially secured.
“But it also pushed me to work harder to live up to the opportunity and make sure I met the requirements to claim it,” he adds.
Also read: IIE MSA empowering young women with Ladies to Legend initiative
The journey wasn’t without challenges. “The path from primary school came with challenges both academically and personally. But I kept reminding myself of the opportunity ahead, and with perseverance and faith in God, I pushed through every hurdle,” he says.
“I’ve always been curious about how things work, and experimented with computers. I wanted to be part of shaping the future, and Computer and Information Sciences felt like the natural path,” Lamont expresses as he shares the reason behind his choice of this degree.
During his university years, Lamont worked on several projects, including developing an inventory and order management system during his Work Integrated Learning module.
“It challenged me technically and helped me grow as a team player. It’s something I’m particularly proud of.”
The early recognition brought pressure and high expectations for Lamont, but he saw it as a powerful reminder of his potential, and it has helped fuel his confidence and drive over the last few years.
“We made the most of an opportunity that changed everything. I’d love to mentor and share my story with young learners, especially those who come from humble beginnings. Whether through workshops or offering internship opportunities, one day, I want them to know their dreams are valid.”
Looking to the future, Lamont shares that he is eager to join a forward-thinking tech company where he can contribute to meaningful solutions and continue learning. Eventually, he hopes to start his own tech business and give back to the community that believed in him.
“Grab every opportunity that comes your way; you never know where it might lead. Even if the road is tough, keep dreaming big and believe that your circumstances don’t define your future,” he shares as words of advice.
