It was a day of tears and celebration as Christel House SA’s matriculants celebrated an impressive 90% pass rate for their matric exams.
The non-profit school serves students from very poor communities in Cape Town.
Top-performing student and valedictorian, Nosiviwe Mpukane from Langa, achieved six distinctions and has been provisionally accepted at the University of Cape Town to study a law degree.
Nosiviwe says her matric year was tough on several fronts.
“My mother suffered a severe stroke in September and this left her paralysed on one side and she is unable to speak,” the teen says.
“It was really tough because my mom spent time in hospital during my trial exams and I had to help take care of my siblings and our home, yet here I am, top of the class because I persevered and stuck to the goal of the finish line.”
Another top student at the school, Jessie Stellmacher from Mitchells Plain, received four distinctions.
She is also the school’s recipient of the Knebel Award, given to one student at each of the eight international Christel House schools who display strong character values.
“Since words are inadequate to express my appreciation for everything my school has done for me, I intend on showing it through my actions of giving back to my community and becoming a success in life,” she says.
Jesse’s mom Tania Stellmacher says she is proud of her only daughter, who stayed the course as her parents divorced last year.
“She will be living on residence where she will study Law at the University of Stellenbosch.”
Christel House pupils receive free education including transport, meals, counselling and healthcare.