OLEBOGENG Montsho from Lethabong near Rustenburg, North-west has overcome significant challenges to emerge as one of North-West top-performing matriculants.
Olebogeng was named the first Top achiever in the Special School category. The school he went to Meerhof Special School obtained Position 1 with 11 candidates obtaining 100% admission to bachelor studies.
\u00a0The 19-year-old story of resilience, determination, and excellence has left many inspired. Olebogeng was humbly elated about his achievement, saying that his family had been very supportive of his education.
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He told North-West Unlocked that growing up he didn\u2019t have a childhood like the other kids because of his disability. \u201cI had to learn to
adapt to the way I am, \u201che said. \u201cWhat motivated me to kept going was my goal to inspire other learners living with disabilities. I want show them that\u00a0 they can also achieve anything they want in
this life.\u201d
He said getting sick was his biggest challenge. “From a young age, I been getting sick a lot and that would make me take a few steps back cause I had to recover first in order to go back to school.
But even though it was a challenge, I still managed to come on top. The fact that I had to work twice as much as the other learners, that would break me mentally, but I realised that if I want to better my life, I have to put in the work even if I have to work as twice more than my peers.
He said being disabled, doesn\u2019t mean you have to put yourself in a box. \u201cwhile at boarding school, I had to sacrifice my free time to learn while others were chilling and playing.\u201d
Olebogeng dreams of becoming a music producer and own a record label. He has already started creating music. “I would like further my knowledge in music\u00a0 at the university of Johannesburg.\u201d He thank all the staff at Meerhof School for making his journey as a learner with
special needs easy, appreciating everybody who were there for him.
\u00a0
Olebogeng\u2019s mother Martha Montsho said raising a child with disability has many challenges. \u201cI am humbled by his achievement, she said.
\u201cI don\u2019t think we could have made it this far if it wasn\u2019t for the grace of our Lord.\u201d
\u00a0Martha said taking Olebogeng to school was a challenge because could constantly get sick. However, denying him education would have been our greatest mistake as his parents
because look at him now. She also encouraged other parents to support their children in very step. \u201cI believe having a solid support system helps them reach their full potential.\u201d
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