The 2013 Matric class members of Upstart have achieved very pleasing results
The 2013 Matric class members of Upstart have achieved very pleasing results
. "We are extremely proud of all the Upstarters who attended the Upstart Saturday morning academic support classes and other activities to ensure that they were adequately prepared for the Matric exams. They are proof that dedication, making use of opportunities and extra hard work pay off," said Shireen Badat, Director of the Upstart Youth Development Project.
She also expressed her heartfelt thanks to the post-graduate students and academics of Rhodes University, as well as the St. Andrews College and DSG teachers who gave up their Saturday mornings to tutor and mentor Upstart members.
The organisation is especially proud of the exceptional achievement of Aviwe Menze – the top performer in the Grahamstown District’s historically disadvantaged schools, with distinctions in Accountancy, Business Studies and Life Orientation.
Aviwe has been a dedicated Upstart member since grade 8. In November 2013, Aviwe wrote in the Upstart newspaper about the challenges she faced during her school year – the lack of teachers and textbooks, shortcomings in teaching and learning, and missing closing dates for bursary applications because her school only issued progress reports at the beginning of the third term.
However, she also wrote that she used the lessons learnt through her years at Upstart to remain focused and motivated. She said, “I took Mathe Maema’s words seriously that sleep is a luxury, which saw me burning the midnight oil studying. I took Nomalanga Mkhize’s advice when she told me that the only competition I have is with myself and that I should focus on the big prize: independence.”
"In a schooling system that still fails too many of our talented youth, Aviwe’s excellent Matric pass is testament to her determination and guts to succeed despite many odds, including having to look after two younger siblings and not having sufficient money to pay for all the things she needed as a student," said Badat.
Aviwe's courage and character shine through in the two Upstart/Rhodes films she took part in. The first film called “Hope”, produced in 2011, was screened on various DSTV channels last year.
Her film “Believe & Achieve”, produced in 2013, can be viewed on the Upstart website.
The Upstart Facebook page will carry updates on all its Matric achievers and their journeys ahead. The website (www.upstartyouth.com) carries other films by Upstart 2013 Matriculants.
