The WaMambo Scholarship Scheme is the brainchild of Past Presidents Tendai and Florence Maphosa. The scheme sets out to provide for the education of girls who are unable to reach their full educational potential due to economic hardships that are faced by their families. This year, the scheme had 3 students enrolled at various schools in forms 1, 4 and L6. These girls were selected near the end of the last Rotary year based on their academic potential and recommendation by their relevant school authorities and teachers.
The two (2) students not eligible for public exams during the period all performed within expectation with one or two dropped marks. Unfortunately the girl in Form 4 did not perform well in her public exams and has had to be dropped from the scholarship on the basis of non-performance.
While it is a sad eventuality that a student has to be dropped, it is part of the agreement that the student and their parents undertake on being awarded the scholarship. Each student is required to maintain a passing grade average, partake in extra-curricular activities (including but not limited to Interact) and be a general model student. Evaluations are done at the end of each term based on current and past school reports and then decisions are made whether to commend, caution or drop the student.
As the program is in its second phase, the trustees are continuously looking at improving it while correcting past mistakes.