Never too old to learn: From school dropout to matric ball star at 43
Hayley Papier, 43, from Lavender Hill, is living proof that you are never too old to learn.
Papier was one of more than 400 adult "Night Schoolers" who celebrated their matric ball and valedictory on Friday.
The mom of two dropped out of school in Grade 11 but thanks to Hopeful Leaders Night School, she was able to complete her National Senior Certificate.
“I failed Grade 11. A few years back I would never have admitted that giving priority to having nice times and parties and not making time for school work and studying was the reason," Papier said.
“It led to me failing a grade for the first time in my school career.”
She said she found out about Hopeful Leaders Night School through Facebook and classes started in September 2024.
“The journey has been a hell of a ride. After registration I was so excited to start with Hopeful Leaders as this was a dream come true.
“In November my mom was admitted to hospital. On my birthday, November 7, my sister had a slight heart attack and to top it all my husband was admitted to hospital the following week.
“Mom and sister recovered fully. Husband has been in and out of hospital ever since. Since he fell ill, I have been taking care of him as unfortunately at that moment he was unable to walk and then the next challenge was even worse because now my husband could not work and I’m unemployed so financially I was unable to pay my fees.
“But a Good Samaritan paid my fees in full and this was also the person who motivated and pushed me to complete this journey,” Papier said.
She said that she plans to apply for tertiary education in hopes to become a doctor.
She said she felt like a queen walking the red carpet at her matric ball on Friday, adding: “I had a lot of mixed emotions.
Having to admit my husband once again to Groote Schuur Hospital a day after his 50th birthday and two days before my matric ball was definitely not something I expected. But this ball was the highlight of all the sacrifices, late nights, extra classes and hospital visits.”
Founder of Hopeful Leaders Night School, Yumna Alexander, said the school was established in 2020 in Manenberg with 278 adult candidates and now has nine night schools across the Cape Flats including Ravensmead, Hanover Park, Mitchell's Plain and Bishop Lavis with 1 787 candidates registered.
Alexander explains: “We have successful pass rates. This initiative is for our communities and about letting the people experience what happens when you obtain your matric and when you goal for tertiary education because the goal is higher education and matric is the key to get us there. She said that classes are Monday to Thursday and R15 per class, six subjects get you to pass your matric.”
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus