OUMA of three Charmaine Dunn from Manenberg proved that you are never too old to learn something new after completing her Bachelor in Law (LLB) at the age of 61.
Charmaine started her studies at the age of 50 years at The University of South Africa (Unisa) and said that her dream is to become a family [law] advocate.
And she has been advocating against the abuse of children and women for years.
Her passion and concern for all things family and children led her to establish her own non-profit organisation in 2019 called Lilly of the Valley Foundation, which offers trauma, family and divorce counselling to her community.
The high-powered ouma now has her sights set on a one-year pupillage to become fully qualified to fulfil her mission.
Charmaine says: “It is quite exciting. I feel that I have come far because it was a long road from the age of 50 years.
"My studies were on and off because of financial restraints and challenges of life but I had to persevere even when there were days I felt like I don’t want to do this anymore.
“I prayed to God to carry me through until I can finally reach this milestone.”
Charmaine shared that her journey has not always been easy after dropping out of school in Grade 10 (Standard 8) at Manenberg High School after failing and feeling discouraged to return to school.
And after revealing that she only passed her drivers licence test at 40, she reckons that age really is nothing but a number.
She said that after years working in administrative jobs, she is ready for the new challenge.
Charmaine adds: “When my three children were small, I decided that I want to raise my children and make sure they have a good upbringing, but I set a goal for myself that when I am 50, I will study further and do something with my life.
“It was hard and tough because at night while everyone was asleep, I would be sitting with my books, doing assignments. Although it wasn’t easy, I enjoyed it and in my final year I obtained a distinction for International Human Rights Law.”
Motale Nkgoang, Regional Director for Unisa, celebrated Charmaine's achievement. body.
Nkgoang says: “As the Regional Director of the Unisa Western Cape, I am truly proud of Ms. Dunn’s achievement. Ms. Dunn’s remarkable accomplishment in completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
"This remarkable milestone embodies UNISA’s vision of shaping futures in the service of humanity. Her dedication to lifelong learning is truly inspiring, demonstrating that education knows no age limits.
“For a long time, the mainstream and social media have focused on the negative social perceptions that continue to persist on the Cape Flats. Through her journey as a lifelong learner, Ms. Dunn has shown that another side of the coin indeed exists.”
Motale Nkgoang, Regional Director for Unisa, celebrated Charmaine's achievement.
Nkgoang says: “As the Regional Director of the Unisa Western Cape, I am truly proud of Ms. Dunn's achievement. Ms. Dunn’s remarkable accomplishment in completing her Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
"This remarkable milestone embodies the University of South Africa's vision of shaping futures in the service of humanity. Her dedication to lifelong learning is truly inspiring, demonstrating that education knows no age limits.
"For a long time, the mainstream and social media have focused on the negative social perceptions that continue to persist on the Cape Flats. Through her journey as a lifelong learner, Ms. Dunn has shown that another side of the coin indeed exists."