Matric for mature women

Bobbi Sands

GUESTS wept unashamedly as two very brave women took to the red carpet at the Wear Your Dream dress gala event on Saturday.
Noeleen Maquena, 39, and Carmel Saffadien, 42, were honoured by Reach for a Dream at the event because they too attended their matric farewells this year.
Both received matric certificates in June.
Maquena took to the carpet in a Le Qin Custom Designs CC green ensemble.
She completed her matric through the Restoration Learning Academy.
This mother of two hopes to study theology and go into full- time ministry.
She attended David Livingstone School in Schauderville up to standard nine and then dropped out because her family had all dropped out of school early.
“Obtaining my certificate is one of the my biggest accomplishments.
“I started out in a factory and worked my way up.
“I decided if I could do that I can get my matric,” said a jubilant Maquena.
“When everyone gave us a standing ovation on Saturday night it really was overwhelming and if my getting a matric at my age can make the difference in one life I am happy.”

Maquena said she decided to organise a matric farewell as she and her friend never got to go to theirs so with family and friends in tow she and Saffadien had their farewell at the Westering Methodist Church.
Saffadien obtained her matric certificate through the department of education which offered a two-year-course. She said for many years it had been one of her dreams to complete matric.
“I dropped out of school when I was 15 because of circumstances and I have always regretted it.
“I want to show my children we have the power to empower ourselves and no one can put us down.”

Saffadien is a mother of three and said her son also dropped out of school and she is hoping to encourage him to also get his matric.
“You cannot get anywhere these days without it.”

She hopes to start her own catering business one day.