​As foster care beneficiary, Amina Maalo (19) is happy to attain three (3) distinctions in her first year of schooling at North-West University.
Despite facing many challenges that comes with growing up, she is adamant of finishing her Bachelor of Laws degree in record time next year.

Maalo is a beneficiary of the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Foster Care Programme and a top achiever at her previous school Sibonelo Esihle Secondary School in Duduza, Ekurhuleni back in 2021.

Weekly Bulletin sat with her to reflect on the progress and challenges encountered during her first year of university.

She said, “My first year at North-West University was a good one, but the pressure was too much. However, I am looking forward to my second year, starting in February this year. It was nice to be in a new environment and getting to meet new people far away from my township, Duduza.”

“One of the challenges I encountered was being unfamiliar with the online system of learning and submitting assignments. We sometimes wrote exams online and had to submit PDF scans. There was a day when I couldn’t find my document on a USB, I even missed the deadline. But I went to the lecturer’s office, she gave me a second opportunity to write the exam, and I eventually passed,” said Maalo.

She added, “This year I want to improve my marks and get five (5) more distinctions with an average of 70 percent on other subjects. I want to make my family and the Department proud.”

Social Worker and Case Manager of Amina Maalo, Godfrey Nhlapho has wished her well on her studies and echoed ‘The Sky is the Limit’.