Lavender Hill’s Wafeek Jacobs is one of 12 pupils – out of 51 nominees – who have been granted bursaries from the Yvonne Parfitt Bursary Trust.
Wafeek is the only recipient from Lavender Hill High School.
The bursary is worth R40 000 and Wafeek’s future goals are to complete a degree in education and become a life science (biology) or mathematical science teacher as he has a passion for working with children.
Wafeek, a top achiever in tourism, and the recipient of a number of certificates at school, is chuffed with his latest achievement.
“School is quite difficult but I try my best at all times,” said Wafeek, adding that he wants to serve as a role model to his brothers. Wafeek said he was motivated by his mother and friends, with whom he had formed a study group through which they helped each other with the subjects they struggled with.
Wafeek’s mother, Faieka Jacobs, is a single mom and extremely proud of her son’s achievement. No matter the challenges they face, she said, she remained focused. “We have been through a lot of difficult times. It is not always a bed of roses. There were times that Wafeek decided on following his own route and I had to bring him back.
“There is a lot of potential in Lavender Hill that is unseen (and) getting a bursary as a coloured child in Lavender Hill is a big achievement – and I would like my son to do his best. It does not mean if you come from Lavender Hill you are no good,” she said.
Wafeek appreciates all the effort that his teachers have put in over the years as they have made him a better pupil, he said.
