Applications for the Sacred Heart College Active Citizen Scholarships are open.
The scholarships were launched in 2013 and awarded to Heri Bukanga and Tshepang Masuku that year.
“The Active Citizen Scholarship reflects Sacred Heart College’s commitment to education for the common good, and is an extension of our ethos,” said principal Heather Blanckensee.
“Shortlisted candidates will have to write the normal mathematics and English scholarship examinations. However, the primary criteria for this particular scholarship is demonstrable evidence of the applicant’s commitment to social good, neighbourliness, volunteer work and community building.”
Blanckensee said Bukanga was selected in 2013 because of his active involvement in his community and social justice causes.
“He is involved with Soul Buddyz, a community service club at his local library,” she added.
“[Baukanga] and his team have collected and donated food for Bertha Solomon House, an old age home where they have also started a vegetable garden; and have collected and donated clothes and toys for orphans and homeless children.
“I was excited when I heard that I was selected for the [scholarship] at Sacred Heart College,” said Bukanga.
“A school like [this] allows me to give back to the community in a much more effective way. My family and I came to South Africa as refugees seven years ago, fleeing the war in the eastern part of the DRC.”
Masuku, a Grade 9 pupil, has been at the Sacred Heart since 2005.
“Being in a culturally diverse school has been a privilege that many aren’t afforded,” she said.
“I am blessed to have an inspiring mom who has made many sacrifices to give me opportunities to succeed. The teachers at Sacred Heart College provide an excellent education.”
Tshepang has seen the need to help both the elderly and people who are destitute.
She takes clothes to Othandweni Children’s Home, and during school holidays she assists the elderly by delivering prescribed medicine to their homes.
Tshepang also helps and encourages young children with reading, and is involved in cleaning the park in her community.
This year’s Active Citizen Scholarship shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on 15 March, coinciding with the College’s Open Day. Application forms for 2015 are available on the school’s website (www.sacredheart.co.za). The deadline for applications is 10 March 2014.
