SOS Africa Founder Dr Matt Crowcombe reflects on recent celebrations following the news that the charity’s first Western Cape sponsored students achieved a 100% Matric pass rate…
We have all been there at some point in our lives… For weeks, months and often years we have dedicated ourselves towards a seemingly unending mission which consumes us entirely. And then, all of a sudden, it is over; the last word spoken, the concluding sentence written, the final sum calculated. Instead of the much-anticipated relief, anxiety sets in as the wait for results day begins and time that once vanished at lightspeed, seems to reduce to a snail’s pace.
Since first joining our programme at the start of this journey, SOS Africa’s 2024 graduates have given it their all; in spite of the many obstacles and challenges in their way, they have remained focused on hugely challenging missions of their own, now at last fully accomplished. After completing their final Matric examinations in November 2024, last week SOS Africa’s very first Western Cape graduates finally experienced the climatical moment of joy they had all been waiting for. On a single modest sheet of paper were the grades and words they had long been striving for; a vindication of many years of blood, sweat and tears… THEY PASSED! And let the celebrations begin!
“When I finally received my results, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and accomplishment. Now that I have graduated, my ambition is to become a social worker and help people from my community and beyond. I want to thank SOS Africa’s Li-andi and Anuska for always believing in me; your impact will stay with me forever.” (Kim Jafta, SOS Africa Graduate)
Though the journey had been long, SOS Africa’s graduates had never been alone, always supported unwaveringly by the charity’s education centre staff whenever they needed a shoulder to cry on or assistance with that seemingly unsolvable equation. It has been truly heartwarming to see the wave of positivity flowing through our education centres and across continents to sponsors far and wide over the past few weeks, as news of their achievements has spread.
“I am incredibly proud of the grade 12 students who have successfully passed their exams. Despite facing many challenges along the way, these young individuals have shown great determination and perseverance in achieving this significant milestone in their lives. They each have the potential to achieve great things and make a positive impact on the world around them.” (Li-andi Claassen, SOS Africa Operations Manager)
As is tradition here in South Africa; to mark such a significant milestone, we hosted a celebratory Matric Braai for the graduates and their proud supporters; our staff. It was an afternoon of feasting, emotional speeches and nostalgia; the highlight of which was undoubtedly the presentation of graduation booklets containing photos taken of each graduate throughout their time with SOS Africa. These are memories which we shall all cherish as they fly the SOS nest and embark on the next chapters of their now very bright futures.
By Dr Matt Crowcombe (CEO/Founder, SOS Africa)
