adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
A 28-year-old man from Emakhandeni suburb in Bulawayo has defied odds by writing and passing Ordinary Level examinations 14 years after he last attended formal school. In an interview, Mr Blessings Munkuli said he left school in 1998 when he was doing Grade Seven.
He has been a junior pastor at Church of Christ in Power in Emakhandeni.
He said last year he was encouraged by his senior pastor to go back to school. He then enrolled at New Horizon Institute of Learning in the city.
Mr Munkuli said he registered for six subjects in June this year and attained five As in English Language, History, Geography, Integrated Science and Commerce, and a D in Shona.
“I have passed five subjects out of the six that I registered for. I will be writing Accounts and Mathematics in November this year,” said an elated Mr Munkuli who visited Chronicle newsroom on Tuesday.
“I dropped out of school in 1998 when I was doing Grade Seven at Emakhandeni Primary School when my parents could not raise fees. My cousin who is a pastor came to me and offered to pay for my school fees last year and I skipped Form One and Two and started at Form Three.”
Mr Munkuli had attained four units at Grade Seven.
“I completed my primary education in 1998 at Emakhandeni Primary School and I passed with four units but I had to quit school after my father failed to raise money for me to proceed to Form One,” said Mr Munkuli.
Mr Munkuli could not hide his excitement, saying sitting and passing the examinations was an accomplishment in his life.
“I never thought I would ever go back to school again and I felt honoured when I was awarded an opportunity to go to school.
“I am very pleased to have passed and now I am certain of a bright future,” said Mr Munkuli.
Next year he intends to enroll for Advanced Level.
Mr Munkuli paid tribute to his senior pastor, Reverend Wonderful Muleya who advised him to go back to school.
He encouraged other youths not to lose hope but to continue chasing their dreams.
Online Reporter