Bluff matriculant plans for career as surgeon
Blaze Kazlin Timothy plans to uplift her community.
DILIGENT and determined Bluff learner, Blaze Kazlin Timothy, is set to pursue her dream of becoming a surgeon after chalking up seven distinctions in matric. The Engen Maths and Science School learner, who is also an alumnus of Grosvenor Girls’ High School, plans to study medicine at the University of KwaZulu-Natal this year and says she will give back to the Wentworth community where she grew up, to create a better life for her family. Growing up, Blaze’s greatest challenge was witnessing her mum’s constant financial battle to support the family.
“As a single parent, it has been a real struggle for my mum to pay my school fees and afford textbooks and other basic necessities, which is why I am grateful to have been part of the free Engen Maths and Science School (EMSS) programme,” reflects Blaze. “I diligently attended the Engen supplementary classes every Saturday for three years from grade 10-12 at Fairvale Secondary School and I believe that the programme was instrumental in me being able to obtain seven distinctions in matric.”
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Blaze added that the programme provided her with much-needed additional resources, as well as access to excellent teachers, who helped her achieve her full academic potential. The schools have been opened for over 30 years and offers underprivileged grade 10-12 learners free supplementary maths, science and English tuition on Saturdays at nine locations across South Africa.
With limited resources, online learning and having to take extra precautions regarding health and safety, Blaze said she focused on her philosophy for life, which is perseverance, dedication, and commitment, and through the love and inspiration she received from her family, she ultimately achieved success.
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“Manage your time efficiently and remain dedicated to your academic studies, despite any challenges and problems you may encounter during the year,” she advised. Engen’s manager of transformation and stakeholder engagement, Dr James Nyawera, explained that the EMSS programme focuses specifically on providing extra tuition in ‘gateway’ subjects such as mathematics and science; subjects which are considered critical in addressing the country’s technical and engineering skills shortage as well as spurring economic growth and development.
“The EMSS programme seeks to harness the potential of talented young people in difficult circumstances and to also contribute to the pool of scarce skills in the country.
Starting off 34 years ago as Engen Saturday Schools, EMSS remains central to Engen’s efforts to contribute to the growth and transformation of South Africa,” continued Nyawera, adding that the programme has worked tirelessly to help transform young underprivileged people’s lives, with a focus of creating a diverse and vibrant workforce.
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