In the words of Nelson Mandela.
“EDUCATION IS THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON WHICH CAN CHANGE THE WORLD”
The Lions Club of Hout Bay hosted an event to catch up with past and present students
And pictured below are just some of the many young people we have been able to help.
(back row Malebongwe, Phiweka, Lion Liz, Mbulelo and Joseph. Front row Louisa, Caitlin, Lion Joy and Lonwabo)
Bursary Director Lion Liz told the students: “It has been my privilege to accompany many of you on this difficult but exciting journey and together we have been through many ups and downs from the death of a parent, muggings, losing everything in shack fires or the sheer grinding hardship of poverty.”
“I have attended many graduation ceremonies and when I saw you walking onto that stage clapped so hard that my fingers ached, my heart bursting with pride and unashamed tears of joy running down my face.”
“But it has been through your hard work, courage and perseverance that you have succeeded and I want you to know how very proud we are of every single one of you.”
Below is what the stars of the evening had to say.
Joseph
In 2008 I failed matric and few months later my mother died.
With her all my hopes and dreams of further education died.
Then I met Liz and through Lions was given the opportunity to do a 3 year course in electrical engineering getting my matric at the same time and I am currently working for an electrical company.
Malebongwe
I had failed matric in 2008, Lions helped me to rewrite my subject then with a matric certificate in hand helped me to explore the different possibilities of tertiary education.
I come from a single parent family and my mother is a domestic worker and not able to pay for my education so I thought I had no chance of a tertiary education.
Today I am an Auxilliary Social Worker and am employed as a Matrix Therapist with Hout Bay CARES working with youth at risk who want to kick the drug or alcohol habit.
Lions gave me a chance.
Lonwabo
I passed matric and spent 3 years struggling to find a way to access tertiary education. I so much wanted to study IT but had no parents to support me.
Then I met Liz who helped me to get access to a bursary and with Lions paying for my transport costs I did an IT course at College of Cape Town graduating in 2010.
But my thirst for knowledge continued and I did a further course at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Network Engineering.
I am now permanently employed by Dimension Data.
I’m grateful to Lions for believing in me and giving me a helping hand.
Phiweka
When I matriculated I was determined not to end up working as a shelf packer at a supermarket but had no hope of further education as my mother, the sole breadwinner was a domestic worker and money was tight.
Then with Lions help I got into a SETA Social Development training course.
But I wanted to study further and with Lions support did a Management Assistant Diploma course at College of Cape Town.
I am currently a director of the Sistahood Girls Club helping 23 girls from grade 6 to grade 12 with life skills, sports, educational camps as well as encouraging academic achievement.
We have received funding from the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and Lion Joy has helped me so much teaching me how to keep books and to write financial as well as narrative reports.
Mbulelo
My journey with Lions started 3 years ago when I was accepted at Cape Peninsula University of Technology to study Retail Business Management.
I had managed to get a bursary but didn’t have the money to get there and back and then a friend suggested I phone Lions who have helped me ever since.
These days it is impossible to study without a computer and they even got me a laptop.
I am working hard and have passed all my exams despite losing everything in 2 shack fires. I hope to graduate with a diploma at the end of next year and then want to go on to do my B Tech degree.
Sadly my mum died in 2012 and Lion Liz has been there for me and I hope that Lions will continue to help and support young people like me to succeed in life.
Louisa
After I matriculated I wanted to study but had no idea where to start and did not have the money to pay for any further education.
My grandmother contacted Lions and my journey with them began when we went to College of Cape Town to research the courses on offer.
Lions helped me to access a bursary and paid for my transport and books and have supported me all the way.
I studied Early Childhood Development and finished my N6 last year and am now doing my 18 month practical at Wavecrest Educare in Hangberg.
Caitlin
Just before my matric exams my father died but I was still determined to get a university education, applied to University and was accepted to do a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
My family had no money and so I applied to Lions for assistance and you can’t imagine my joy when they agreed to pay my fees.
In my first year I did very well but in my second year my mother was diagnosed with cancer. I spent 4 hours a day travelling to and from University as well as looking after my mother and studying. Life was unbelievably tough.
Lions not only covered my University fees but also my transport costs, books, food and in the last year also paid for my on Campus accommodation.
They supported and encouraged me every step of the way.
My Mummy died at the end of my final year but with the knowledge that I had passed and today I have my BCom degree.
I am currently working at Disa School and next year will study further through UNISA to do my post graduate certificate in education.
No one will ever know how grateful I am to the Lions Club for giving me a chance.
I know that the only way out of poverty is through education.
WITH YOUR SUPPORT WE COULD DO SO MUCH MORE!
TOGETHER WE COULD MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE
To find out more please don’t hesitate to contact Liz Huckle.
email: huckles@polka.co.za
PS: We already have prospective students waiting in the wings.
Lucretia wants to study hairdressing, Rukyah wants to study Art and Design, Nandipha wants to be a tourist guide and they are just 3 of many more young people who need our help.
Applications for next year must be submitted before the end of October so there is no time to be lost.
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