Hanover Park bright spark
AFTER beating the odds in Hanover Park to study at Stellenbosch University, Carol Cedras fell pregnant at 18. This didn’t stop her, as her daughter Ce’Aigo-Lee became her motivation to continue studying and create a better life for both of them.
On Tuesday Cedras, 23, received her Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Stellenbosch University. Born and raised in Hanover Park, Cedras’s mother worked as a supervisor for a cleaning company and her father was a pest control technician.
“Many of the young people (in Hanover Park) drop out of school and become victims of their society and circumstances. They lack motivation, leadership and role models. During Grade 9 at Alexander Sinton High School I decided that one day I want to attend Stellenbosch University,” she said, adding that she developed a passion for geography.
“My parents supported this dream to the best of their ability as well as their pockets, to ensure I rose above the ‘best’ that they could give me to make sure that I become the best that I could be,” she said.
In 2011 Cedras enrolled at Stellenbosch for a BA degree in environment and development with the focus on human geography. She fell pregnant that year and Ce’Aigo-Lee was born during the following June/ July holiday, a week before classes started. She passed that year.
“Dropping out was not an option. This was now no longer about my dreams or future, but the future that I can provide for my daughter.”
The next year Cedras took a twohour journey to and from campus.
“My parents, daughter and fiancé motivated me to complete my studies. I aspired to improve my livelihood for my family,” she said.
She advised other students to never forget where they come from. “Always carry your story with pride. Nothing in life is impossible, just challenging. Good can come from Hanover Park.”
She plans to enrol for an honours degree in BComm public administration at Stellenbosch.