Eldorado Park couple Catherine (51) and Edmund Kaas (50) have inspired their community after obtaining their matric certificates.

The Old Eldos couple, who have been together for more than 30 years, returned to school last year after their children encouraged them to complete their education.

They started their studies on September 5 and wrote their final subject on June 22 this year.

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For the couple, completing matric was about more than obtaining a certificate. It was about finishing something they had left behind and setting an example for their children and grandchildren.

“We normally give up at the end of a race, instead of seeing the race through. You’ve got that last little bit,” said Edmund.

The couple said their children played an important role in encouraging them to return to school.
“We put so much into our children, push them, and tell them to finish school. Then we realised we’ve got our grandchildren coming,” said Catherine.

Their grandchildren are only three and four years old, but the couple wanted them to grow up knowing that education and personal achievement have no age limit.

“For us to also have that shows that you go the distance, and yes, this is the norm in this family. It doesn’t matter what age you are. Not just your matric, but anything you need, you can achieve,” said Catherine.

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Edmund, who grew up in Eldorado Park, said his decision to leave school at 17 was influenced by becoming a father.

He said he wanted to take responsibility for his child rather than depend on his parents.

His father, Walter Kaas, was a principal and strongly believed in education.

“He loved education. He put children through school, not just my brothers. Other people’s children, he put them through school and universities,” said Edmund.

His father believed that education gave people the ability to open doors for themselves.

Decades later, Edmund said receiving his matric certificate was a proud moment and one he wished his late father could have witnessed.

The couple also spoke about the impact not having matric had on their careers.

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Both had gained extensive work experience over the years, with Edmund working in senior sales and management roles, while Catherine worked in corporate and media-related positions.

Catherine said her lack of a matric certificate had previously prevented her from securing permanent employment.

“There was one job where they would have taken me on permanently if I produced the certificate,” she said.

Edmund also recalled losing a job because he could not produce the qualification.

Despite this, the couple said their experience had opened many doors throughout their careers.

Balancing their studies with work, family and household responsibilities was another challenge.

Catherine said they had to make time for their studies while caring for family members and maintaining their relationship.

The couple also had to adjust their daily routine, including giving up television time to study.

Their children became their biggest cheerleaders, checking in on them through video calls and making sure they were studying.

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The couple also supported each other throughout their studies.

There were moments when disagreements made them want to give up, but when it was time to attend school, they would both be on the transport.

“We were pushing each other,” said Catherine.

The couple initially found some subjects difficult. Edmund enjoyed history, while Catherine said mathematics and Afrikaans were among her favourite subjects.

Catherine, who initially struggled with history, said Edmund helped her understand the subject by breaking it down and making it enjoyable.

They also used old examination papers, study material and online resources to prepare for their exams.

The couple said their experience taught them discipline and reminded them that learning never stops.

Their achievement has also been welcomed by the Eldorado Park community.

The couple said neighbours checked on their progress, brought them study notes and encouraged them throughout the year.

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For Edmund, the support reflects the spirit of the community.

“I love my community and my community loves me,” he said.

He believes small acts of kindness, such as greeting someone or offering a smile, can make a difference.

The couple now want their achievement to encourage others, particularly young people and adults who believe it is too late to pursue their education.

Catherine urged parents to support children rather than putting pressure on them.

“Love is very important. Make that child feel loved,” she said.

She also encouraged people facing challenges not to give up.

“If you fail something, know what? Failing is still going forward because you know that you can still achieve. Try again. Get up. That’s what life is.”

Edmund encouraged families to make time for one another and support each other.

“Just find out what’s happening in a child’s life. Let the children know what’s happening in your life. Support each other. Feed off each other and love each other.”

The couple said they are not finished learning and hope their matric achievement will be the start of another chapter.

They also encouraged adults who want to complete their matric to consider enrolling in the upcoming part-time programme at St Ives in Clubview on September 3.