The Kweps of the Learning Centre
21 May, 2018
One of the many success stories of the Orlando Pirates Learning Centre is that of Lukhanyo Kwepile, who has been dedicated to the centre over the past four years. ‘Kweps’ has achieved a great deal through the Centre and continues to volunteer his time and effort selflessly every day.
Lukhanyo Aaron Kwepile was born and bred in Soweto and started attending the Orlando Pirates Learning Centre in 2014 as a grade 10 student. Following his completion of the afterschool programs which include Maths, English, Science, and End-user Computer Literacy, his thirst for knowledge pushed him to the additional programmes that supported his grade 12 learning.
With all the support that the Centre offered, coupled with the principles of the school curriculum as directed by the Department of Basic Education, Lukhanyo made the seamless transition to his learning when the Gauteng Department of Education introduced their digital learning program, which focused on paperless smart classes, smartboards and tablets.
Lukhanyo started volunteering at the Learning Centre in 2015, assisting younger students to achieve their goals and uplift themselves through education.
In 2016, an initiative to participate in an ENSA School Exchange in partnership with the Schulzestrum Blumenthal Vocational School in Bremen, ‘Kweps’ and other volunteers spending two weeks in Germany on an intercultural exchange known as Bremen Meets Soweto, which is still ongoing today.
Lukhanyo passed his grade 12, but unfortunately could not further his studies due to financial reasons. This did not keep the young man down. As an unemployed youth, Kwepile continued to equip his learning through the Cisco Networking Academy at the Centre, graduating with an Information and Technology NQF Level 4.
With the continued volunteer work, Lukhanyo was invited to the African German Youth Initiative Stakeholder Workshop, to share his experience as an ENSA school exchange alumnus, as well as travelling to Germany to attend the 1st ENSA School Exchange International Evaluation, with the aim to build solid foundations and improving partnerships that already exist between delegates from South Africa, Tanzania, Senegal and other African countries in partnership with Germany.
Most recently, Lukhanyo received the call of his life (to date) when he was selected for the SAGE NET 2018/19 volunteer exchange that will see him move to Germany for a year.
“They say you make a living by what you get, and you make a life by what you give. I am delighted and extend my gratitude to the Orlando Pirates Learning Centre, Little Butterflies Daycare, SAGE NET and everybody who made it possible for me to have this opportunity,” commented Kwepile.
The Orlando Pirates Learning centre is extremely proud of ‘Kweps’ and all he has achieved through his hard work and dedication. He is a shining light who is often referred to as an example of what can be achieved through commitment and a genuine volunteer spirit that inspires and motivates others.
