Hard work pays

 By Luumuno Siangoma Mudenda
 

Life illuminates for the 17year old aspiring magistrate.Although life had a lot of obstacles, he however managed to overcome them with help from good Samaritans who made it possible for him to be where he is now. Being the first born in a family of three, raised by a single mother, life was not easier for him. Payment of School fees was a challenge to Benevolence Ngwenya but determination and hard work made him to be selected as a beneficiary under Firelight Foundation program under Basilwizi Trust. He managed to be the one of the few individuals who excelled with good pass rate,Ndebele A, Commerce A, History A, Religious Studies A, Agriculture B, English C, Integrated Science C, Literature C and Geography C .

“I believe I was chosen because I worked hard in my school work and showed determination when it came to academics that is why I think my community chose me” says Benevolence Ngwenya.

Benevolence in his "|A" level classroom

Before the scholarship, life was not easier for Benevolence. Although he was doing well in terms of school work, there was room for him to do better. Stress of being chased away from school for lack of payment deteriorated his pass rate. However this soon changed.

‘’When I became a beneficiary ,life became easier for me, I no longer had stress of payment of fees, accommodation and grocery since I was in boarding, this really was stress free and gave me time to read  hence that explains the reason for my ‘O’ level academic achievements, he continues .

Benevolence greatly appreciate his mentor Mr.Ndlovu who had been there for him and who should take all the credit for these achievements.He was the one who instilled confidence and leadership qualities in Benevolence.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Mr. Ndlovu the Project Officer, as he is the one who made me realize my potential and who made me realize that it was possible to be who I want to be ,with determination and hard work. I remember he used to visit me almost once a month, bringing me the basic things I would use at school. On those visits he would advise me, encouraging me to work hard to be a better person. Indeed I would like to say a big thank you, I would not have done it without him’’ he says.

“To the donors, I am really grateful for assisting me financially when it came to school fess, it is you who made my future to look bright and I hope you continue assisting other pupils who have financial constraints like me” says Benevolence.

Unfortunately, the 17 year old still finds himself in financial constrain yet again, this is mainly because the benefits only ended at “0”level and did not continue to “A” level which he is currently doing. However the grinding mill at his community which was contributed by Basilwizi does assist in payment of his fees.

Benevolence in front of Binga high Administration office

“The grinding mill pays school fees to a lot of children who are orphans including me however, the money being generated is not enough to accommodate everyone, so they give me $100 every term which I am really grateful but it is not enough as it would have $271 shortfall making it hard for me to  pay the outstanding money ,I do not know where I am going to get the money for next year but I really hope to finish my “A” so I can achieve my dream,” says a smiling Benevolence.