AT JUST 12 years, Mohau Mphirime's day starts as early as she has perfected the art of sacrificing sleep in exchange for education.
Since starting Grade 1 five years ago, Mohau has been waking up at 4.30am.
By 4.45am, the Grade 6 pupil is already decked out in her green blazer and having cornflakes.
She is among thousands of children from the townships whose parents have shunned township schools and enrolled their children at suburban schools.
But if the MEC for education Panyaza Lesufi's dream to improve conditions in poorer township schools by merging them with former model C schools materialises, parents could be just as happy sending their children to schools closer to home in their area.
Lesufi's plan, which he announced last year, means the schools would share a principal, a governing body and resources.
For now, the reality for children like Mohau remains early mornings and leaving home in the dark, especially in winter.
Mohau, who attends Fairways Primary School in Johannesburg, says she understands why her mother has opted for a school further away from home.
"I like my school because we have lots of extra-mural activities, our classes are not overcrowded and our teachers inspire us," she says.
By 5.10am, Mohau quickly grabs her school bag and dashes outside to board her transport which will drop her off at school by 7.30am.
Although she has become used to the gruelling routine, Mohau says she takes advantage of the almost two-hour drive to school to take power naps.
She has to sleep early and prepare everything the night before so she is ready for pick-up.
Her mother, Moipone, says none of the schools in Emndeni, Soweto, where the family lives, matches the kind of standard she wants for her child.
"For us, to keep our children in township schools, conditions must change," the mother says.
By 8am, Mohau is already seated at her desk ready to face another year of early mornings and long drives.
mahopoz@sowetan.co.za
Sacrificing sleep for school - Mohau's day starts at 4:30am for education
AT JUST 12 years, Mohau Mphirime's day starts as early as she has perfected the art of sacrificing sleep in exchange for education.
Since starting Grade 1 five years ago, Mohau has been waking up at 4.30am.
By 4.45am, the Grade 6 pupil is already decked out in her green blazer and having cornflakes.
She is among thousands of children from the townships whose parents have shunned township schools and enrolled their children at suburban schools.
But if the MEC for education Panyaza Lesufi's dream to improve conditions in poorer township schools by merging them with former model C schools materialises, parents could be just as happy sending their children to schools closer to home in their area.
Lesufi's plan, which he announced last year, means the schools would share a principal, a governing body and resources.
For now, the reality for children like Mohau remains early mornings and leaving home in the dark, especially in winter.
Mohau, who attends Fairways Primary School in Johannesburg, says she understands why her mother has opted for a school further away from home.
"I like my school because we have lots of extra-mural activities, our classes are not overcrowded and our teachers inspire us," she says.
By 5.10am, Mohau quickly grabs her school bag and dashes outside to board her transport which will drop her off at school by 7.30am.
Although she has become used to the gruelling routine, Mohau says she takes advantage of the almost two-hour drive to school to take power naps.
She has to sleep early and prepare everything the night before so she is ready for pick-up.
Her mother, Moipone, says none of the schools in Emndeni, Soweto, where the family lives, matches the kind of standard she wants for her child.
"For us, to keep our children in township schools, conditions must change," the mother says.
By 8am, Mohau is already seated at her desk ready to face another year of early mornings and long drives.
mahopoz@sowetan.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos