2020 sees two special girls completing their secondary education at Hillcrest High School. In 2015 Margaret Turnbull, founder of Hilcrest Aids UK was approached by the Principals of Inchanga and Steven Davison Primary Schools about a girl in each of their schools whose ability was, for them, exceptional. Hillcrest High School was then approached by Margaret and after the girls sat a bursary exam, they were both offered a full bursary (covering the school fees of some £2000 each per year).
As Hillcrest Aids UK was too small a charity to cover all the costs for both girls, including uniforms, school materials and equipment and transport, Margaret approached Lionsraw another (much larger) charity working in the area, for help. They immediately agreed and have provided funds for the needs of Nompilo, from Steven Davison Primary, with Hillcrest Aids UK funding Lebo from Inchanga Primary. Throughout their time at high school, Margaret has mentored the girls, meeting with them at least three times a year and in between maintaining contact via WhatsApp.
Both girls started at Hillcrest High School in Grade 8 in 2016 and during the past 5 years they have always given their best. Over the years they have regularly been placed, academically, in the top 30 students in their year group of just over 200. During 2019/2020 Lebo has also been elected as a School Leader (Prefect).
At the moment the girls are writing their final examinations with Nompilo’s last paper, English, on the 9th December and Lebo’s last paper, Drama, on the 14th December. During this year both girls have each applied to 3 universities in KwaZulu-Natal and in Pretoria. In 2021 they will both go to one of their chosen universities, Lebo to study Law (as had always been her dream) and Nompilo to study Medicine.
Covid-19 meant the Grade 12 Prom could not take place as normal, so instead, the school arranged a cocktail party for the students in mid-October. Lionsraw funded the event for both girls including their hair, makeup, shoes and dresses. A wonderful time was had by all.
A few days later at the school’s Speech Day, Nompilo received half colours, awarded for her academic achievement over the years and Lebo received full colours for her academic achievement over the years and for her service to the school through sports and other activities including her leadership role. These are the most prestigious awards made by a school in South Africa, so an amazing achievement by them both!
It has been a real joy to see these two young ladies grow and mature over the 5 years at Hillcrest High School, from two shy girls to two confident young women.
We would like to thank everyone who has been involved in supporting them on this journey.
We are a registered UK charity raising funds to support children impacted by HIV and AIDS and rural township schools. All money raised goes directly to the projects.