The Love Trust celebrates a year of success at the Nokuphila School

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, adds The Love Trust. 

According to The Love Trust, at the Nokuphila School in Thembisa, they have successfully turned challenges into triumphs, showing that even against the odds, success and hope can thrive.

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

In 2023, Nokuphila School has had many remarkable achievements and is proud to shine the spotlight on some of its most exceptional students, says The Love Trust. 

Mpho Kekana is a past learner of Nokuphila, who was awarded a bursary at St. John's College in Johannesburg. Kekana is currently in eleventh grade, is a brand ambassador for St. John's, and is also a member of the Johannesburg Junior Council.

The JJC is a non-profit organisation that consists of 80 exceptional eleventh-grade learners from 40 different schools. Kekana is also a Prefect Elect for 2024, excelling in both the sports field and in the classroom. Kekana hopes to study Public Relations at University, according to The Love Trust. 

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 800 metre, 400 metre and 200 metre track events. He was honoured with an achievement award at the Christ Church Sports and Culture Awards on Tuesday, 28 November, says The Love Trust. 

Currently waving the flag proudly for the Nokuphila School are seventh-grade learners and netball stars Mpho Motswiri and Bontle Windvoel.

According to The Love Trust, both of these young ladies are proud teammates, with Windvoel holding the position of 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, The Love Trust says. 

In the junior primary at Nokuphila is Qhawe Rashalala, a third-grade and an incredibly well-rounded learner.

Rashalala is academically gifted with a passion for reading and 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.

The Love Trust says 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.

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, according to The Love Trust. 

Intellectual, physical, spiritual, nutritional, social and emotional growth are 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, The Love Trust says.  

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

These 40 learners will be moving into firsdt-grade 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.

Looking ahead: A sneak peek into 2024