Former Nombulelo Secondary School pupil Puluso Ngwenya is one of two Grahamstown matriculants whose achievements were recognised at a provincial matric results function in East London yesterday.
Former Nombulelo Secondary School pupil Puluso Ngwenya is one of two Grahamstown matriculants whose achievements were recognised at a provincial matric results function in East London yesterday.
Puluso, who got a distinction in Physical Science, is the top pupil in the district among what are officially designated "former township" schools. He and fellow Nombulelo pupil Sanelisiwe Heshu, who obtained a distinction in isiXhosa, are just some of the reason principal Mthuthuzeli Koliti is celebrating, however.
Thrilled with the steady climb in the school's matric pass rate, Koliti says his pupils' performance is particularly admirable given the challenges many of them face at home. From an overall pass rate of 70.4% in 2010, the school had stepped up 3.5% to 73.9%, Koliti told Grocott's Mail.
Of 138 pupils who wrote the exams, 105 had passed, he said. Of these, 28 obtained university-level passes. "We congratulate the class of 2011 for their efforts in the face of many difficulties most of them had to contend with," Koliti said. "Most of them come from homes where poverty and deprivation are rampant.
That notwithstanding, they stoically soldiered on and their efforts have been rewarded. "Like the disciplined and skilful harrier hawk, they have soared over adversity and temptation and have now captured the prize of their desires."
And then, in words intended to be conveyed to his pupils, he said, "March on. The future beckons – this is only the beginning." Again by way of encouraging pupils – this time those who had not been successful – he said, "Whatever your situation may be, do not even think about giving up. You will have another opportunity to write in March and October."
