The Big Read: To the givers, I give thanks

Every month of every year, without missing a beat, Demona Clarrison (not her real name) deposits R1000 into the university account of one of the poorest students on campus to ensure that this young woman is able to obtain her degree.

This is the schoolgirl I once wrote about who, after being raped by a cousin and forced to wash the blood from the floor after her father murdered her beloved mother, overcame these unspeakable atrocities to achieve distinction in high school and entrance to university.

I am writing this column to honour the Demonas of South Africa who, through their gifts to strangers, make a massive difference in the lives of young students.

As the year rushes to an end, I was tempted to write about the disturbing news that Grade 9 pupils achieved an average mark of 10% in 2014, down from an already abysmal 14% average in 2013. But I am tired of saying the obvious - that no matter which way you spin it, our school system is in a downward spiral and nobody will be held accountable, as usual.

I prefer in this season of reflection to give thanks and share with you what has happened to some of the students you so graciously support.

You may recall Sinoxolo, from Oscar Mpetha High in Nyanga, Cape Town, who achieved a near-100% in history as a result of an excellent Zimbabwean teacher in a dysfunctional school.

That teacher is now stuck in his homeland because of our new immigration rules.

Sinoxolo has not only become a top academic student, he has risen to become the head of academics in his residence and changed his course of study (law) to become a history teacher himself.

"Remind me," he writes on WhatsApp last week, "when did you call me to give the news that changed my life forever? How would you like to study with us for free?"

The truth is, nobody studies for free and many readers of The Times column contributed to his studies. Thank you.

Or remember the white student from Gansbaai who was so poor her mother had no choice but to place her in a township school?

"It was very, very difficult at first," Bianca told me the other day, "I was scared."

Now it is the same young woman who cannot understand why her white friends do not understand why her circle of friends includes black and white students from all walks of life. This top academic student, who remains dearly loved by her adopted community, now helps me lead and sustain the integration of campus.

For the many who supported her - even taking her shopping on your account - thank you.

If you watched TV and saw the sad mother from Umlazi who did not know where her daughter, with straight As from Menzi High, would find money for university, well Zandile sent this message: "My dream became a reality. I am proud to say I'm going to be doing my final year of the Bachelor of Accounting and I obtained a few distinctions. Looking back it seemed impossible then that I would be able to achieve what I have thus far. Looking forward to my first gown in April 2016."

For those who support Zandi, thank you.

Samantha from Lavender Hill in Cape Town has to think twice before leaving her small apartment in those dull, grey, congested flats enveloped by gangs, and where the sounds of children laughing are interrupted by the sounds of gunfire. Her hardworking mother made the great sacrifice of foregoing income from a working daughter, allowing her to go to university. Samantha achieved distinctions in about a dozen tough subjects this year in her law degree, and a good friend offered her a legal internship these holidays. Thank you.

I could have written about the lack of financial capacity in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme that will again generate crises on campuses in 2015. But today I want to honour those citizens who fill the gap by giving from sometimes meagre resources to make it possible for thousands of students to make it through university. Our country owes you.

Said the teen who survived the rape: "The support has boosted my self-esteem and confidence. I have grown as a person because I am now more outspoken and assertive."

Thank you, all, and happy holidays.