The non-profit school, Christel House SA, which caters for learners from impoverished communities across Cape Town maintained top matric results on par with top Western Cape schools.
Shrieks of laughter echoed across the school hall at Christel House SA in Ottery on Friday 19 January as the class of 2023 received their matric results.
With an impressive 100% pass rate, learners embraced each other as parents and teachers beamed with warm smiles and a “congratulations”.
The non-profit school, which caters for learners from impoverished communities across Cape Town maintained top matric results on par with top Western Cape schools.
It is one of nine schools in the district to achieve a 100% matric pass rate.
School principal Ronald Fortune said each year learners proved the effectiveness of its unique Christel House model.
“While our academic achievements are commendable, the true distinction lies in the extraordinary resilience displayed by our students in overcoming daily challenges within their communities.
“Our class of 2023 has excelled with the support of our dedicated staff and I could not be prouder.”
Amid the success stories, top student and class of 2023 valedictorian Zia-Ud-Din George (17) from Hanover Park achieved six academic distinctions and hopes to study medicine this year.
The youngest of three siblings, George says he is lucky to have role models in his life.
“We are three brothers. My eldest brother is a chef and my middle brother a dentist and hopefully I will be the doctor.
“I was accepted into Stellenbosch University and hopefully I will be studying medicine so I’m very happy about that and hope that I can make a success out of my life.”
His dream is to become an orthopedic surgeon after “breaking a few bones” in his lifetime.
“In my life I broke a few bones, my collarbone and arm, and last year I went job shadowing in the cardiology department at Groote Schuur Hospital. That inspired me.”
Meanwhile Rose Qezu (18) from Delft who clinched the third spot said it was very rewarding to have excelled in her matric year.
“It has been a rewarding experience pushing, having breakdowns and then reaching the finish line and satisfying my goals…I am very overwhelmed.”
Qezu applied to study Computer Science at the University of Cape Town.
Christel House SA, Adri Marais, said the school had an exceptional pass rate.
“It’s the first time we had a 100 percent pass rate for physics and that is amazing.”
Since its inaugural matriculation year in 2009, the school has maintained an impressive 99% matric pass rate average.
Students achieved a bachelor pass rate of 82%, opening doors for many to pursue higher education.
Following matriculation, the school extends five years of assistance, offering mentoring, stipends, and career planning support to help students complete their tertiary education and secure gainful employment.
Currently, 97% of Christel House graduates are working, studying or doing both, affirming the school’s dedication to supporting its students.
