Our Stars brighten the class of 2008July 01, 2009

Crosby Nkosi is a first year student in aeronautic engineering at Wits University. He enrolled for the BSc Degree early this year following his top performance in the 2008 matriculation results. Crosby, who for three years attended the Tsb-sponsored Star Schools maths and science programme, is one of the 10 best learners in Mpumalanga. He obtained six distinctions.

In a letter titled ‘Tsb Star School Programme: A stepping Stone to Academic Success’, which Crosby personally delivered prior to his departure he wrote: “As a learner from a rural community where schools lack basic facilities, I am privileged to have been part of the Tsb programme and proud of the outstanding results I have achieved through the programme’s contribution.”

The Star Schools programme is a corporate social investment initiative of Tsb that is aimed at assisting learners from the Nkomazi community who have a passion for maths and science. The programme, which is run from Sidlamafa High School in Kamhlushwa, provides supplementary classes on Saturdays and during school holidays. Approximately 150 learners selected from various schools around Nkomazi – 50 in each grade 10, 11 and 12.

All 55 learners who attended the Tsb Star Schools programme in Grade 12 last year have passed. 74% passed well enough to qualify for university admission. A total of 19 learners obtained distinctions, with some learners scoring between four and six distinctions each. The total number of distinctions obtained was 41. These results are well above the national and provincial averages.

Sibusiso Hlatshwayo, another learner who also got six distinctions wrote: “I’m a guy of 18 years old former learner of Njeyeza High School who passed Matric with flying colours. I want to thank Tsb Sugar for contributing to my bright future. The programme was fantastic and made me determined. Thank you for the books and study guides. And the teachers are stars. That’s why I managed to score six distinctions and 64% in English. I wish the programme could continue and help other learners as it has done to me.”

Sibusiso is currently studying Civil Engineering at the University of Cape Town. Other learners from the class of 2008 have also written to us and their letters are available for those who have a heart for youth and community development. Kenneth, my colleague, has approached various organizations to secure bursaries and to help these and other learners with their university enrollment.

Hopefully these bright little stars of our will come back to help us build a great company!