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5 January 2024

Triumphs And Transformation

By The Nokuphila School

Johannesburg, South Africa, 12 December 2023: At this time of year, similar sentiments echo all around us. “Where has this year gone?” For many, it does seem as if our post-COVID existence moves at warp-speed, with life full of things to see and do, and a calendar full of events. 

The end of another year allows us all the time to reflect on the year that was, and the much needed opportunity to process some difficult times. However, we should also take this time to celebrate our personal gains and achievements. While 2023 may be almost behind us, there’s still time to take stock of some exceptional achievements.

At The Nokuphila School in Thembisa, they have successfully turned challenges into triumphs, showing that even against the odds, success and hope can thrive!

Honouring remarkable achievements: Past students

The Nokuphila School was founded by the not-for-profit organisation, The Love Trust, in 2009, and opened its doors for their first learners in 2010. They are a stellar example of a united vision uplifting countless lives, with their unwavering commitment to providing quality Christian education to vulnerable children.

This year Nokuphila School has had many remarkable achievements and is proud to shine the spotlight on some of their most exceptional students.

Mpho Kekana is a past learner of Nokuphila, who was awarded a bursary at St. John’s College in Johannesburg. Kekana is currently in Grade 11 and is a brand ambassador for St. John’s and also a member of the Johannesburg Junior Council (JCC).The JJC is a non-profit organisation that consists of 80 exceptional Grade 11 learners from 40 different schools. Kekana is also a Prefect Elect for 2024, excelling on both the sports field and in the classroom. Kekana hopes to study Public Relations at University.

Ayanda Khoza is another past learner from Nokuphila who has been proudly representing the school at Christ Church College. Being awarded a bursary as an outstanding achiever, Khoza is very active on the sports field and was recently awarded gold, silver and bronze medals at the recent district athletics, competing in the 800m, 400m and 200m track events. He was honoured with an achievement award at the Christ Church Sports and Culture Awards on the 28th of November.

Championing excellence: Current achievers

Currently waving the flag proudly for The Nokuphila School are Grade 7 learners and netball stars Mpho Motswiri and Bontle Windvoel. Both of these young ladies are proud team mates, with Windvoel holding the position as the first team Captain.  She is also an active member of the ‘Dripping Girls’, a community team for outstanding netball players.

Motswiri also has ambitions to play at a higher level, hoping to join the prestigious ‘Frisky Bisons’ netball club. Along with gaining recognition for their sporting skills, the teammates have gained invaluable skill sets that will serve them both on and off the field. Their dedication to training, teamwork and skills development will serve them for many years to come.

In the junior primary at Nokuphila is Qhawe Rashalala, a Grade 3 learner and an incredibly well-rounded learner. Rashalala is academically gifted with a passion for reading and amazing linguistic skills. On the sports field, he is a keen soccer player and was selected this year by Supersport Academy, a club formed to help exceptional players maximise their talents. Rashalala’s ultimate goal is to become one of the most educated soccer players in South Africa, dedicating time to both learning and improving his skills on the pitch.

Cultivating the best versions of their learners

At Nokuphila School, their vision remains unchanged and it’s this steadfast commitment to enhancing every growth opportunity for their students that is producing amazing results. The school takes an integrated approach to their learners' development ensuring their needs are seen from a 360 º angle.

Intellectual, physical, spiritual, nutritional, social and emotional growth is all carefully considered when taking their learners wellness into account. Through consultation with experts in every field, there is assistance available in every form needed. Be that educational support in the form of Occupational Therapy (OT), or psychosocial support through play therapy with the on-site social worker, their communication network is set to allow the learners to become the best versions of themselves and to safely explore whichever growth area interests them the most.

Through providing a safe and secure space for learning and exploration, with exceptional facilities, the learners at Nokuphila are being given a fair chance to prosper. 

Great beginnings make for promising futures

On 4th November 2023, Nokuphila School held their annual Grade R graduation ceremony. At the ceremony the current Grade R learners enjoyed a celebration of their time in pre-primary and prepared themselves for their road ahead.

These 40 learners will be moving into Grade 1 in 2024. Having had access to a high standard of learning in their pre-primary schooling lays the foundation for their future academic success - learning through play intrigues their young minds and piques their interest to continue on their academic path.

One of the graduating Grade R classes with Teacher Asakhe

Looking ahead: A sneak peek into 2024

2024 will be another milestone year for Nokuphila, with the school having made the decision to continue with their Grade 7 learners into their high-school careers. In January 2024, Nokuphila will officially introduce its high-school, with their first Grade 8 year.

At Nokuphila, the most invaluable gift bestowed upon their learners transcends textbooks and classrooms. It's the resilience instilled and the art of prevailing against challenges and crafting triumph from adversity. Here, students not only grasp knowledge but embrace the enduring strength to conquer any hurdle, making resilience their beacon to a brighter future.

About The Love Trust

The Love Trust is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. We work with change-agents in South Africa and abroad to make a lasting impact on vulnerable communities across the country. 

Our focus is on providing quality Christian education and social care to vulnerable learners at our Nokuphila School in Thembisa, Midrand. We also train black South African women to become accredited early childhood development (ECD) teachers. 

We support the South African government's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and work with our partners to create a resilient organisation that benefits the communities we serve. 

Our future plans include expanding our school to include Grades 8 and 9, as well as developing a curriculum for ECD teachers. 

We actively seek collaborative partnerships with organisations that share our vision of delivering quality education to vulnerable communities.