My name is Nozipho Nyembe and I grew up in Soshanguve, Pretoria. I started schooling at Thulasizwe Primary School and unfortunately, due to a few unforeseen circumstances, the school was closed down which lead me to move to Khensani Primary School. After completing my intermediary school I joined D.C Marivate Junior Secondary School until Grade 9.
In December 2017 I was told that we are moving to Alberton. The news excited me, however, the transition was not an easy one. Reality had struck me that I had to start a new life making new friends and adapt to the new environment. The first day of school at Royal Schools Alberton wasn’t easy for me. I was a bit nervous because I did not know anyone and I struggled to adapt to how the school functioned because I was from a semi-rural environment. My first challenge was communication. I was from a place where English was only spoken in class and most of the time we spoke in our vernacular home languages. My inability to speak fluent English affected my confidence. This lead to me being very reserved and quiet because I was surrounded by people who are very fluent in English so I told myself that I’m not going to participate in class. Eventually, I opened up and gained confidence because I was able to communicate better and by the end of the academic year 2018, I had gotten used to communicating well with my school mates. As I continued working on my weaknesses and enhancing my strengths, my level of improvement lead me to receiving the award for Best Improved Learner in 2019, which was life-changing for me because it was the first award I have ever received in my life.
My matric year 2020 was chaotic because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the period when learners were returning to schools and Grade 12 preliminary exams were approaching, our principal Mrs Moyo convinced my aunt that she will “adopt” me and help me recap on the missed work. During this period I gained a new family that offered me an abundance of emotional, spiritual, and financial support and I will forever be grateful for all that they have done for me.
Mrs Moyo goes the extra mile for all her learners. She runs the school with so much love and always encourages learners to do their best. For this reason, I feel that I will forever be indebted and grateful to my principal for all that she has done for me, especially for pushing me to do the best.
Royal Schools Alberton Former Learner
Nozipho Nyembe