The group of young people who, for different reasons, had not been able to matriculate, passed their matric exam they had previously been preparing for.
The organisation’s founder, Anthena Barry of Woodlands, was very proud of her students for passing and wanting to take control of their future again (“‘Self Help’ at hand for those wanting to finish matric”, Plainsman, May 25).
Mishqah Cassiem, who passed her matric exam, said Self Help had made her aware of what she could achieve.
“The support and encouragement I received from Self Help helped me gain confidence in achieving matric. I learned to never doubt myself and that it’s never too late. Passing my matric is the first step to success,” she said.
Another successful candidate, Ebrahiem Adams, said he had been helping his daughter apply to finish her supplementary matric exam, when Ms Barry urged him to take advantage of the opportunity as well.
He hadn’t passed when he wrote his matric exam in 1998 and never really got the opportunity to complete it until now. Twenty-four years after the last time he sat on a school bench, he mustered up the courage and registered.
“Now that I look back, the sacrifices that were made in order to reach this goal were small compared to the huge value a matric certificate would bring to my life. I am a matriculant of 2022 and I am proud of myself for being able to say this 24 years later. All of you at Self Help rock,” said Mr Adams.
Anthea Edwards said Self Help took a “thorough interest” in pupils and supported them, while Raazikah Mia said the founders, Elton Barry and Ms Barry, had encouraged and motivated her. “This bachelor pass has proven to me that the sky’s the limit and that it’s never too late to accomplish your hopes and dreams,” she said.
For more information, follow the Self Help Facebook page or contact Elton Barry on 083 495 1977 or call Cedar High School of Arts on 021 392 5737.