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End 2011 Report:
I must say that time goes quickly when you are having fun. It seems as if the year just started yesterday. It’s been a rocky road but it’s always good to know that I’ve overcome all obstacles that have come my way this year. It is all thanks to the KMF staff that has done so much in ensuring that they play their role by assisting us with the needs that we had.
This was a very good year with a lot of achievements in the sports department and culturally. Earlier this year I mentioned that I am a soccer player at school and I told you that was not the first choice player, well that has changed; I now get regular game time. I have tried to take part in almost every aspect of life, both in sports and culture. I play soccer; take part in athletics and basket ball.
SOCCER
Soccer is a sport that is played every corner of the streets here in the South African townships and as a young boy this is what I grow up doing. Soccer is in every boy’s blood in the townships and chances of finding boys that cannot play soccer are slim. This is the reason I did not hesitate in taking part in soccer. Soccer to me is oxygen. Both this year and last year I’ve played soccer for the school and have played a huge part in winning trophies for the school.
ATHLETICS
There is not much to say about athletics, because I got an injury and could not run for almost the rest of the season. I could not take part in the cross countries, soccer and athletics for almost two months. I enjoy taking part in athletics and I know that I am one of the best athletics but it’s always sad when a person has to watch what they love on the sidelines. As a result of the injury I could only afford getting team awards.
ACADEMICS
Even though I’m not getting straight As yet, I always make it a point that I do my work hard, because I know that there are a lot of people that have sacrificed so much trying to put together ways to provide the best education for me, and that is why I believe that not working up to my full potential would be an a slap in the face to the KMF team for the effort they’ve put into providing this education. There are a lot of learners out there that are as equally deserving of the opportunity the KMF has granted me and I believe that not taking my school work seriously would be an absolute selfishness.
THE KMF TEAM
I must say that the KMF team has done a lot for us this year and have gone out of their way to provide us with assistance, even when it is beyond the call of duty.
Everything has been great at school; I took part in the science expo. My project was on Lunatics; it was discussing and proving how people’s moods changed according to the moon phase. My hypothesis was: people’s moods do change according to the moon. Even though I didn’t make it to the provincials, I still had fun.
I thank the KMF for the fun I’ve had and thank you to my generous donor, without whom none of this would be possible.
I can’t mention anything about the exams, because I am still in the process of writing. Thank you KMF for making this the best year.
You guys are the best!
Mid-2011 Report:
My terms were both very interesting as I discovered that there’s a lot that I am capable of, that I never thought I could really do. I’ve grown so much as a person and I’ve learnt to take full responsibility for my actions. I have a lot of friends and I really am enjoying the school environment.
There were some days that I thought just made me to want to stay away from school and just wonder when I will ever finish school, but I guess that’s normal and that is caused by the pressure school brings. Camps Bay High School is one of the best schools in the country and I’ve learnt to adjust in such an environment and I love it. I have not been the one with the best academic performance but the KMF has given me a platform to prove myself despite my poor past performances and I appreciate that a lot. I would like to assure the trustees and donors that I will try and do my best to overcome my academic difficulties that I may face along the away.
ACADEMICS
With both the terms I’ve struggled fiercely and I am not proud to say that. However I would like to again assure you that as hard as it is with my academics, I will strive for the best.
SPORTS
Soccer, I must say is among the best highlights I’ve had so far in both terms. I’ve always wanted to play soccer for school but I couldn’t do that last year since I never owned a pair of soccer boots. But that is now all sorted as I own a pair of UMBRO soccer boots (thanks to the KMF). I now play soccer like crazy and am enjoying it a lot. Our soccer team was invited to participate in a tournament hosted at Eastern Cape in a place called Port Elizabeth; the tournament was gradually hosted by a school called Victoria Park High School. We played very well and we were the most disciplined side, with so much teams all over the country, we managed to bring back the Bowl Cup to our school and that was the best feeling I have experienced in years.
Athletics
I never thought that I would actually say this but this is one of the sports that I am comfortable with. I have accomplished a lot in this sport, considering the fact that I just joined the team and it was my first time running.
GRADE 11 LEADERSHIP CAMP
A very inspiring experience I must say, the main objective of this camp was to test the learners leadership skills and I must say I was quiet surprised by some learners sudden “leadership skill”, yes Camps Bay High does have the best leaders and I must say that next year our school will be in great hands.
Equal Education SUMMIT
The day after we closed schools, the KMF scholars had the privilege of attending an educational summit. They held a three day workshop and hosted a number of people from all over South Africa. The summit’s aim was to promote a fight for Equal education for all.
APPRECIATION TO THE KMF
I would really love to say a HUGE thanks to the foundation and its team because if it was not for them I would not have had this much fun and opportunity.
WHO I AM:
My name is Xolile Tom. I live in Lower Crossroads, a township inCape Town, in a two-room house with my mother, grandfather and my two brothers. We use one room as a kitchen and a dining room and the other as a bedroom.
I am in Grade 8 atHeideveldSeniorSchool.
This year was my first year at high school and it was quite challenging. I had to make new friends, see new faces and face new teachers. I had to also face violence and angry youth in my community. Eventhough it was challenging there were nice people but some of them are strict. I think I’m getting use to them and am appreciating it.
The Kay Foundation has made my dream come true and my pledge is that I won’t let this opportunity pass by. I’ll use it to achieve my goals and fulfill my dreams.
LATEST NEWS:
Before writing or saying anything I should start by saying thank you to the Kay Mason Foundation team. Through this year I’ve learnt a lot and I have gained much knowledge from the people surrounding myself. There were times when I thought giving up school was the best solution because I was getting robbed by the gangsters, but then a friend of mine gave me great advice. He said if I dropped out it would mean that the gangsters had won and he told me that my dropping-out would disappoint a lot of people that had sacrificed for my education. Having these words made me realize that there are people who believe in me, like you guys at the Kay Mason Foundation.
From the school they said I’m actually learning a lot. I’ve been to awesome outings and some were just for fun but others touched my heart and made me aware of things I was never aware of. There was one outing that we did with my club [peace club] and we went to help at the orphanage homes. What I learned there was so touching, because of the stories we heard; of how children were abandoned by their mothers and some were we found in rubbish bins and drains. You know those stories really changed me, because I have a thing that other children have no access to, like parents and a better education. So I thought I should stop complaining for unnecessary things and be grateful for what I have.
You know maybe you are wondering why I am telling you all this stories? Well it’s because I want you to know that what are you doing for us guys really motivates us and it help us grow from strength. You know having to wake up in the morning and go to school positive and wearing a smile on our faces is because of you guys.
I think the Kay Mason Foundation is the reason that makes us ‘’The Kay Mason Foundation scholars ‘’ who keep on waking each and very morning. Lastly I would like to say thank you Kay Mason Foundation, you’re the best.
KMF note - Thanks to the generosity of KMF donors, Xholile has been moved to one of the best schools in the country.
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