Most brides spend their wedding night basking in newlywed bliss—but not Margo Hendricks.
Hendricks got married on Tuesday 14 October and later that evening she was in night class, proving that no ring on her finger could outshine the dream in her heart: to finish her matric.
She is one of thousands of adults registered at the Hopeful Leaders Night School in Manenberg.
The non-profit company (NPC) is the brainchild of Manenberg resident Yumna Alexander.
Alexander, who knows the challenges of leaving school early firsthand, started the night school five years ago to support others on their journey back to education.
Today the school has expanded to several areas on the Cape Flats, including Manenberg, Hanover Park, Bonteheuwel, Bishop Lavis, Delft, Mitchells Plain, Lavender Hill, Steenberg, Ravensmead and Elsies River.
She opened another branch in Gauteng a month ago.
“The institution was birthed through personal challenges to help the marginalised communities and empower them with education so that they can have better opportunities. When we produce better parents, we will produce better children,” explained Alexander.
Hendricks explained that she lost her mother at a young age, left school in 2009, and faced many challenges, including becoming a mother at just 16.
She shared that, during this difficult period, she also became addicted to drugs.
Hendricks said she decided to turn her life around following the death of her father.
“I left drugs when my father passed away deciding to be there for my child. I gave my heart to God and that changed my whole life.”
Determined to start a new chapter, Hendricks enrolled into the night school last year, failed a subject and decided to return this year.
“I got married on Tuesday 14 October at Home Affairs. We went to eat food and then we came home, and I went to night school that evening. I want to achieve my goals in life and better myself. I want to be an example for my daughter.”
She expressed her gratitude to Alexander for helping her enrol into the night school.
Hendricks encouraged others to have faith in themselves despite the circumstances.
“Never lose hope. You can be successful in everything that you do, you must just be determined. Sometimes you don’t feel like continuing but you must have faith.”
Another learner Naasiha Hassen explained that since enrolling into the night school and obtaining her matric in 2020, many other opportunities have come her way.
She applied for a position at a hospital, where she was hired as a hostess. Hassen has now been working at the hospital for four years and is permanently employed.
Since then, she has also completed a Home-Based Care/Caregiver course at the Robert Sobukwe Nursing Academy, further advancing her skills in the healthcare field.
According to Alexander, they receive no funding from government or organisations. They are entirely dependent on donations and learner fees.
Learners pay R15 a class and a once-off registration fee of R100.
Alexander explained that all fees go back into the programme covering the cost of essentials such as copy paper and ink.
“We are doing this solely by grace and by faith in the Almighty. It’s been such a blessing.”
She noted a growing need due to the annual rise in registrations.
“Each year the number of people who shows interest in doing their matric, grows. You need to have a Grade 9 or above to complete your matric.
“I am asking myself, ‘what is going to happen with the number of school dropouts from Grade four to Grade 8. What does their future look like?’
Alexander said despite the challenges facing the school, it has 41 students that went on to study at university.
She said classes are open to anyone over the age of 19 years.
“They must have a Grade 9 pass or any grade above. Or even if they just want to improve their matric marks, they are welcome to join us.”
She expressed her gratitude to the learners and staff for their hard work and dedication despite teaching under trying circumstances.
Alexander said she is living proof that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams.
“I am a product of getting my matric at a later age. I am now a qualified teacher. Life has changed for me, and I have access to more things. This is something that you should strive for, if you want to better yourself you need to do better for yourself. If you want change. It starts with you.”
For more information contact 079 903 7616.
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