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Oscar’s Mkhonza’s Story


Oscar Mkhonza (15) has lost both his parents to HIV/AIDS. He lives with his elderly Grandfather (a gardener) who can provide food and shelter but cannot afford to pay for Oscar's education. Oscar is a very bright kid. He consistently gets A’s and B’s at school. As such, Independence ZA (IZA) has managed to get Oscar into the best local school in Central Johannesburg and is paying all of his fees. Oscar wants to be an engineer, with IZA this is now a real possibility.


Oscar's new school has playing fields and a swimming pool, a far cry from his former school, which occupies a rundown office building. Oscar is a whiz with the football. He performs in freestyle competitions and is sometimes paid by Sony to exhibit his freestyle skills at their events. Oscar is going to be first in line when the football season kicks off. With his skills, he should make the A team. His favourite position is right wing but he says he's keen on being the goal keeper.


Oscar has nobody at home to help him with his homework. He lives with his Grandfather and Great Uncle in a one room in a communal house. The kitchen and bathroom are shared with the other families who rent rooms in the same house. Oscar relies on extra time with teachers after school for assistance with his more complex homework problems. Oscar has chosen the more difficult subjects including 'pure maths' (as opposed to a lower grade of mathematics), physical science and biology. He could have chosen simpler subjects but they won't help him get into an engineering degree.


Oscar lives in Berea which borders Johannesburg's notorious Hillbrow precinct. Gangsterism, drug dealing and prostitution are rife. Without good parents, Oscar could very easily have fallen into this underground life. Thanks to Oscar's amazing drive to make more of himself, this youngster has a bright future.


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