News / Local
Bulawayo boy achieves 4 units, denied Grade 7 results: Plea for Help!
13 Jan 2017 at 07:15hrs | Views
The whizkid Mbongeni Masuku
BULAWAYO - ONE of the city's brightest pupils recently scored four units at the 2016 Grade Seven exams administered by the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council but sadly, the whizzkid cannot continue with his education. His former school cannot give him the results slip as he owes approximately USD $500 in fees arrears, dating back to 2014.
Mbongeni Masuku (13) from Lobhengula West picked up 1s in Maths, English, Ndebele and Content - giving him four (4) units - the highest marks one can obtain in grade seven.
However, the teen who says he dreams of being a top medical doctor one day, is hopelessly watching his dreams crumble. He forces a shy smile out as he looks at the camera.
"I want to complete my high school studies and then study medicine," Masuku says, looking at his mum Sithembiso Masuku (36).
She spent 7 tough years trying everything out to make ends meet to make sure that he went to school.
Mbongeni's mum Sithembiso Masuku
"Sometimes I went to school on an empty stomach, which made it difficult for me to concentrate but each time we were given homework I would make sure that I pass it against all odds," the boy said.
Despite his remarkable achievement, Mawaba primary school is still holding onto his results, making it difficult for the dedicated lad to begin his form one classes at Masotsha High School in the same neighbourhood.
The letter written by Mawaba school head
"Mawaba primary school head Maureen Dlamini told me that I should pay the $US442 before my kid is given results. This is despite the fact that I am unemployed and do not have any means to raise the money," Sithembiso, the teen's mum said in tears.
"I got a place for him at Masotsha High School but he could not begin classes when schools opened last week because the school requires that form one pupils bring their Grade 7 results," she added.
Sithembiso whose plight Bulawayo24.com and thecitizenbulletin.com picked through "Qoki, ZiNdlovukazi...Manina Amahle" a women empowerment Facebook group, said that she is currently searching for well-wishers to help her raise the $US442 needed to pay the school.
This would enable Mbongeni to continue working on his dream of becoming a doctor. Members of the public able to assist can contact Sithembiso through at: +263 738334592.
Infographics by Bhekimpi Sithole
Most families from underserved communities often face the same predicament as they try to get their children's results when they owe schools. However, the government has in the past warned schools from holding onto pupils' results saying this violates children's right to education.
However, most school heads disregard the government directive and continue to illegitimately deny dozens of pupils their exam results forcing some to ultimately drop school.
Mbongeni Masuku (13) from Lobhengula West picked up 1s in Maths, English, Ndebele and Content - giving him four (4) units - the highest marks one can obtain in grade seven.
However, the teen who says he dreams of being a top medical doctor one day, is hopelessly watching his dreams crumble. He forces a shy smile out as he looks at the camera.
"I want to complete my high school studies and then study medicine," Masuku says, looking at his mum Sithembiso Masuku (36).
She spent 7 tough years trying everything out to make ends meet to make sure that he went to school.
Mbongeni's mum Sithembiso Masuku
"Sometimes I went to school on an empty stomach, which made it difficult for me to concentrate but each time we were given homework I would make sure that I pass it against all odds," the boy said.
Despite his remarkable achievement, Mawaba primary school is still holding onto his results, making it difficult for the dedicated lad to begin his form one classes at Masotsha High School in the same neighbourhood.
The letter written by Mawaba school head
"Mawaba primary school head Maureen Dlamini told me that I should pay the $US442 before my kid is given results. This is despite the fact that I am unemployed and do not have any means to raise the money," Sithembiso, the teen's mum said in tears.
"I got a place for him at Masotsha High School but he could not begin classes when schools opened last week because the school requires that form one pupils bring their Grade 7 results," she added.
Sithembiso whose plight Bulawayo24.com and thecitizenbulletin.com picked through "Qoki, ZiNdlovukazi...Manina Amahle" a women empowerment Facebook group, said that she is currently searching for well-wishers to help her raise the $US442 needed to pay the school.
This would enable Mbongeni to continue working on his dream of becoming a doctor. Members of the public able to assist can contact Sithembiso through at: +263 738334592.
Infographics by Bhekimpi Sithole
Most families from underserved communities often face the same predicament as they try to get their children's results when they owe schools. However, the government has in the past warned schools from holding onto pupils' results saying this violates children's right to education.
However, most school heads disregard the government directive and continue to illegitimately deny dozens of pupils their exam results forcing some to ultimately drop school.
Source - www.thecitizenbulletin.com
