
If passing matric is not stressful enough, a matriculant from Bonteheuwel says gangsters fighting added more challenges.
Caleb Wessels from Arcadia High School, who with Aakifah Esack were the top perfromers at the school, says he persevered despite everything going on behind him.
“Some days gangsters were shooting in the morning when we were on our way to school. Bonteheuwel is not an easy place to live in, but that is also my motivation to work hard. I want to make my community proud and be the change this community needs. I want to show the world that something good can come out of this community,” says Caleb.
Motivation
He says his parents motivated him to be successful.
“My mother motivates me a lot. She is the reason why I push through, because she achieved a degree in nursing,” says Caleb who will be studying towards a business degree this year.
Melissa Hendricks from Bonteheuwel High School achieved an average of 80% with four distinctions.
“If it was not for the support of my parents I would not have achieved this. I am more relieved than happy, because I was stressing the whole holidays about the results. Next year I will be studying at the University of the Western Cape towards a teaching degree. I want to work with children, because I want them to reach their full potential,” says Melissa.
Hard work pays off
Local ward councillor Angus McKenzie congratulated the two matriculants as well as others who passed.
“The results show that learners from our area are just as good as any other learner from another school. With hard work and dedication any child from Bonteheuwel can see them reach their goals,” says McKenzie.