Poverty pushes Uniondaler to reach heights

UNIONDALE NEWS - A poor background and challenging familial circumstances did not stop Charlton Bowkers from rising higher and towards a fulfilling future.

This teacher's assistant from St Paul's Primary School is grateful and chuffed at attaining one of his educational goals - obtaining his BEd degree in Foundation Phase.

He did it cum laude too, and it was one of the happiest moments of his life when he attended his official graduation on Wednesday 13 July at N1 City, Cape Town.

He wanted to share his journey with George Herald to inspire others who are feeling hopelessly overwhelmed by their circumstances.

Childhood

Bowkers was born and raised in Uniondale, where he also matriculated. "My upbringing was not easy. I'm the eldest of three children. My father was out of the picture when I was still a baby and my mother, Charmaine Kleinbooi, had to raise us as a single parent with the help of my grandparents, Abraham and Magrieta Prins.

"This type of situation is very common in Uniondale. Poverty and substance abuse affect many households, and ours was no exception."

But despite their circumstances, his mother and grandparents always ensured that their basic needs were met.

"I am so grateful for that. Even though they did not have much of an education, they always wanted an education for us, because it is the only way out of the cycle of poverty."

He lost his mother the day before his 14th birthday. "It was extremely difficult. I had to grow up fast, because my grandparents needed me to help raise my five-year-old brother and two-year-old sister."

Education

It affected his schooling, but he was able to make it to matric, although failing a subject in his last exam - the first fail of his school career.

He went back to rewrite and pass, still faced with the fact that there were no opportunities in Uniondale, but this only strengthened him in his resolve to study further.

"I made my education a priority and decided that nothing would stop me from becoming the first in the family to finish school and get a degree," says Bowkers.

His first tertiary qualification was a certificate in agriculture (plant production) from the Cape Institute for Agricultural Training in George where his hard work ensured him the status of dux student of his class.

Then followed a three-year National Diploma (Management Assistant) from South Cape College where he was awarded as A-aggregate student. His next feat was the Foundation Phase BEd degree through the University of South Africa in partnership with South Cape College. Here also he graduated as the top achiever in his class.

"It was really hard work, especially through distant studying, but it was so rewarding and an important step for my future."

Motivation

His advice to other would-be students from a similar background is to always remember the reason why you wanted that degree in the first place.

"It will be the driving force motivating you through all the challenging times. Also, establish a strong support system with friends and family who believe in you and encourage you to keep going when you feel like quitting. Communicate with your lecturers and fellow students.

Always put in extra effort and be willing to make sacrifices. Prioritise and manage your time effectively.

These were all factors that contributed to me sticking to my studies.

"My circumstances were not ideal, but they were the ideal circumstances to push me towards reaching for my dream. Not only did I complete my degree in record time, but I did it cum laude. So I am super proud, excited and eager to start the next phase in my life. I give all glory to God for none of it would be possible without Him," says Bowkers.