KHUBVI – She dropped out of school 20 years ago but she still has a burning desire to pass Grade 12. Today, at the age of 42, Mutshinyalo Magidi of Khubvi village, north of Thohoyandou swallowed her pride and went back to class because she views education as the only tool for success in today’s changing world. Despite all odds, she forgot all her troubles and enrolled at Khubvi Redeeming ABET Centre.

“I couldn’t find employment for so many years because each time they tell me that they need someone who has passed Grade 12. I dropped out of school after passing my Std 8 in 1986 at Thengwe High School. Today’s world needs someone who is educated and that is why I did not hesitate to go back to class. Although I have a large family to look after, I have no other alternative except going back to class as I want to improve my life. The most important thing is to have a positive attitude and work hard towards goal achievement,” said Mutshinyalo, who is married to Robert. The couple has six children, aged between one and 18.

Mutshinyalo says she wants to enrol for a political science or law degree at UNISA after passing Grade 12. She has currently registered for Natural Science, Mathematics, Auxiliary Skills, Arts and Culture and Tshivenda and she attends her classes on Mondays and Tuesdays, between 14h00 and 16h30.

“I will have to compete with the youths in class because time is against me. One has to be focused and forget about negative criticism in order to succeed.” Her first-born son, Sidwell, is doing Grade 11 at Silemale Secondary School. “I ask him to assist me whenever I come across something that I don’t understand. He is very determined and always ready to assist because he knows I am very serious about my education…”

Mutshinyalo studies at night because during the day, she moves around the village selling pillow cases to community members.

“Although it is not easy, I certainly have to strike a balance between my family commitments, education and small business. I make sure that I manage my time effectively to make sure that nothing is left behind…”

She concluded by encouraging other school dropouts to go back to school to improve their own lives.

“Age has nothing to do with success. The most important thing is to set realistic goals and strive hard to achieve them. I hope the step that I have taken will be an inspiration to other adults who still believe that they cannot further their education because of age …”