Your physical condition need not define your life.
This is the motto Lovedale College office administration student Nomnikelo Piyoyo lives by.
Growing up in Libode, where she was born with cerebral palsy, Piyoyo said she knew education was the only thing that would ensure her independence.
Her disabilities has left her unable to walk very far unaided and her fingers are slightly bent. But this has not deterred the 30-year-old Piyoyo, who said she had been hungry to further her education since her school days began. After completing her foundation phase education in record time, she attended Vukuhambe Special School in Mdantsane.
She failed matric, and though she felt like giving up at some stage, she tried a FET (Further Education and Training) college instead.
Piyoyo is now well on her way to completing her Level 4 studies, which will open the door to following a diploma course of her choice.
She has defied all odds by living on her own in a student residence. Cerebral palsy is a condition typically caused by brain damage before or after birth, which affects muscle coordination.
“My journey with this college has been incredible which I never expected. I was afraid that it would be really difficult and that I would struggle but it hasn’t been like that at all,” she said.
“I looked all over for a school after Vukuhambe and by the time I found out about Lovedale I was ready to give up. I’m so glad I didn’t.
“The biggest motivation I have is to complete my studies and get an office job one day. “I want to live on my own and make my own money. I want to succeed so that I can be independent one day, disabled as I am,” she added.
In an effort to support her success, Lovedale has provided her with an electric wheelchair and a laptop customised to meet her unique needs.
Programme head Babalwa Ngxwana said despite the initial problems they faced in Piyoyo’s first-year, the student had shown massive improvements and excelled as top student in some of her subjects.
She said: “It was hard at first. Many of the lecturers couldn’t understand what she was saying and some were impatient with her. Instead of just throwing in the towel, we started first by learning to lip read so we could communicate effectively with her.”
Student councillor Nomvuso Ndlazi said she was proud Lovedale offered a bursary for the physically and mentally disabled.
“We take care of them from first-year until they finish. “The bursary covers everything – tuition, books and accommodation. “
Piyoyo said she hoped her victory would inspire others.
“Don’t let your disability dictate your life. You can do anything you put your mind to,” she said.
Joy as Piyoyo defies the odds
This is the motto Lovedale College office administration student Nomnikelo Piyoyo lives by.
Growing up in Libode, where she was born with cerebral palsy, Piyoyo said she knew education was the only thing that would ensure her independence.
Her disabilities has left her unable to walk very far unaided and her fingers are slightly bent. But this has not deterred the 30-year-old Piyoyo, who said she had been hungry to further her education since her school days began. After completing her foundation phase education in record time, she attended Vukuhambe Special School in Mdantsane.
She failed matric, and though she felt like giving up at some stage, she tried a FET (Further Education and Training) college instead.
Piyoyo is now well on her way to completing her Level 4 studies, which will open the door to following a diploma course of her choice.
She has defied all odds by living on her own in a student residence. Cerebral palsy is a condition typically caused by brain damage before or after birth, which affects muscle coordination.
“My journey with this college has been incredible which I never expected. I was afraid that it would be really difficult and that I would struggle but it hasn’t been like that at all,” she said.
“I looked all over for a school after Vukuhambe and by the time I found out about Lovedale I was ready to give up. I’m so glad I didn’t.
“The biggest motivation I have is to complete my studies and get an office job one day. “I want to live on my own and make my own money. I want to succeed so that I can be independent one day, disabled as I am,” she added.
In an effort to support her success, Lovedale has provided her with an electric wheelchair and a laptop customised to meet her unique needs.
Programme head Babalwa Ngxwana said despite the initial problems they faced in Piyoyo’s first-year, the student had shown massive improvements and excelled as top student in some of her subjects.
She said: “It was hard at first. Many of the lecturers couldn’t understand what she was saying and some were impatient with her. Instead of just throwing in the towel, we started first by learning to lip read so we could communicate effectively with her.”
Student councillor Nomvuso Ndlazi said she was proud Lovedale offered a bursary for the physically and mentally disabled.
“We take care of them from first-year until they finish. “The bursary covers everything – tuition, books and accommodation. “
Piyoyo said she hoped her victory would inspire others.
“Don’t let your disability dictate your life. You can do anything you put your mind to,” she said.
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