​19-year- old Gone Sekgaphane who was the only matric learner at Emmasdal Child and Youth Care Centre, Heidelberg could not believe the good news that she passed her matric.
Despite being the only learner and the challenges of Covid-19, load shedding and shortage of water at the centre, Sekgaphane made her teachers and grandfather proud.

Sekgaphane who arrived at the centre in 2019 said it was a tough year as she needed to adjust to the situation which was not easy for her and other new learners.

“I was in Grade 9 when my grandfather sent me to Emmasdal CYCC due to my behavioral problems. Many children could not understand the way I was conducting myself and we were always bullying each other,” she says.

“I was very playful and always teasing my teachers but as time went by, I slowly realized my purpose of coming to the centre. In my free time I will continue to be playful, but I had a study plan which assisted me to pass my Grade 12,” Sekgaphane added.

“I studied on my own, making sure that if I don’t understand things regarding my schoolwork, my teachers were always available to assist. The school was in the centre, I did not have to travel but I made sure that I was up at 05H30aand prepare myself,” said Sekgaphane

She added that she was not happy when her grandfather who raised her sent her to Emmasdal but now she realizes that it was for her good.

Sekgaphane was able to register with TVET College to study Tourism and said in five years’ time she sees herself working and taking care of people who raised her.

Max Shaba from Emmasdal Child and Youth Care Centre said they are proud of Sekgaphane.