A Grade 7 learner from Parkfields Primary School in Hanover Park is not just rising above her circumstances but academically rising above her peers.
Zion Fiellies, 12, is a class monitor and came in top of her grade with an average of 89.3 percent for Term 4 and received eleven trophies - one for each subject, including leadership - and was named Valedictorian for 2025.
Educator Eric van der Byl who teaches Zion all of her 10 subjects spoke about the meisie with much enthusiasm, regarding her as a leader.
He said: “She comes from a very difficult socio-economic background but she is top in the grade. Zion is a very pleasant. She is respectful, she is neat and kind, the state of her books is neat and she has a very good concentration span, but she is still very childlike. And humble.”
“She is also a very good soccer player, she is a defender. She is also doing very well in the PlayStation tournaments that we do against the top schools and is very enthusiastic.”
Zion’s mother, Eleanor Fiellies, said that the family lives off a Sassa grant and any odd jobs that her her husband can get.
The mother explained: “Zion has always gotten certificates in school. I always sit with her or read books and when she needs extra help then I will go to the library with her because there are tutors.”
“I am receiving a grant and then her dad works when there are some odd jobs. We have two sons as well. My heart’s desire is that Zion must go further and that if anyone can reach out with scholarship or bursary opportunities then that would make me happy.
"I always encourage her by saying that you need to learn to earn, if you want a better life then you need to make choices in life and I always tell her that she can achieve anything.
"We have been through a lot of deep things, we have lived in hokkies, been kicked out but that motivated her. Every morning after I am done praying, I always tell her 'God is still in control' and God will change our home situation, but we need to be obedient to God."
Zion’s parents and Mr Van der Byl want to enroll her into a school with a good track record however need assistance with funding or bursary opportunities.
Van Der Byl explained: “Based on her marks, we want to get her into a good school where she has the potential to shine. There are a few schools we are looking to get her into but financially it is impossible because her parents can’t afford the school fees and travelling costs.
“She comes from a poverty-stricken background but she does not make any excuses on why her work cannot be done. She has faith in the education system. A child like this, surely someone is able to assist.”
If anyone would like to assist please contact 064 363 1243.