A Bonteheuwel teen is one step closer to making his dream of becoming a doctor a reality after claiming the top spot in a youth empowerment programme.
Austin Fernandez, 17, was recently crowned king of the 2019 Reach for the Stars Kingdom Kids and Prestigious Parents
AJ van Rooi Brandt, of Kingdom Kids, says the shy matric pupil from Bonteheuwel High School was always a front runner with his play, where he dressed up as a doctor and discussed his dreams.
Austin Fernandez, 17, of Bonteheuwel High. Picture: Supplied
Van Rooi explains: “The programme is run across three underprivileged high schools in Bonteheuwel, Tafelsig and Clanwilliam and is aimed at empowering our children to chase their dreams.
“Through mentorships, workshops, camps and other events, the children gather points in the programme and then there is the pageant.
“They participate in the pageant, but also have to give a presentation on their career aspirations and what they have overcome.
“Their parents are included in the programme and they are assessed by their teachers as well.
“Austin was always a forerunner and he has won all the expenses for his matric ball, but the programme still continues for the rest of the year.”
The teen, who is the top pupil at his school, enrolled in the programme earlier this year after being devastated by the death of his aunty, Jill Fernandez, 49, who was murdered in December.
BRIGHT: Austin is Bonteheuwel High School’s top pupil. Picture: Supplied
He says while her death caused shock waves in Bonteheuwel he was especially traumatised as his biggest supporter was gone.
“I was devastated and I could hear her in my head as I did my presentation,” Austin says.
“She would be here cheering me on and for her to die like that affected me a lot.
“As a teen growing up in Bonteheuwel I see a lot of things, but my parents, Kurt and Rochelle, keep me focused on what I want to achieve.
IN: Johan van Rooi Brandt, dad Kurt, Austin, mom Rochelle, AJ van Rooi Brandt. Picture: Supplied
“My mom is a nurse and she inspires me. I enjoy speaking to her about Life Sciences, my favourite subject.”
Dad Kurt says while the family has managed to start saving for Austin’s tertiary education, it will be a long and tough road ahead.
“He applied to UCT and Stellenbosch University and wrote the tests so we are waiting to hear if he will be accepted. We are trying our best because he is passionate and has maintained his title as the top learner in his grade.”