Ayanda receives bursary for Oprah Winfrey Academy
The Siyakhanyisa Primary pupil travels 50kms to school every morning.
CURRENTLY living in the heart of kwesaKwaBiyela, 12-year-old Ayanda Cele travels more than 50km to school each day.
She now looks forward to walking the halls of the prestigious Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls next year.
With nearly 6 000 applicants nationwide competing for a spot, the Grade 7 pupil of Siyakhanyisa Primary School is one of three pupils in the uThungulu District to receive a full scholarship to attend the academy.
Ayanda is currently one of the Empangeni-based school’s top achievers and applied for a position at the academy earlier this year.
She was shortlisted to complete the compulsory maths and English tests, which saw her claim a spot in the top 150.
She was flown to Johannesburg in June where she spent three days at a final selection camp.
Ayanda was thrilled to receive her letter of acceptance on Monday.
‘I am so excited. None of this would have been possible without the help of my teachers, principal and my parents,’ said Ayanda.
Both her principal, Musa Mpungose, and her teacher, Mr N Mdluli, have been very supportive in preparing her for the journey.
‘I am so thrilled to see that my vision for this school and its pupils has been accomplished,’ said Mpungose.
Although her journey only truly begins next year, this experience will be something far superior to anything she has ever known.
