Youth Month is marked by the memory of young people standing up for their education, but the legacy of this passion for education seems to have dwindled over the years, with statistics released late last year by the National Income Dynamic Study – Coronavirus Rapid Mobile indicating that the increasing school drop out rates is still a prevailing crisis in South Africa.
“Young people need to be inspired to stay in school and we all have a role to play,” says Kyle Jantjies, a 26-year-old author and teacher who loves his family, animals, adventure and science. He is one of six children to a single parent, an inspirational young man with a story to be shared.
This young man was raised in Mitchells Plain, a community that often hits the headlines for all the wrong reasons – drugs, gangsterism, teenage pregnancy and overcrowded high schools.
But from a young age, Kyle broke the mould and continues to make his community proud.
Those who know Kyle speak fondly and admirably of his academic prowes and his commitment to being different to what his circumstances would dictate. Raised on the Cape Flats, he attended Mount View Hight school in Hanover Park, where he completed his school tenure as head boy. He obtained six distinctions in his National Senior Certificate results, was a member of the reading club, school choir and participated in athletics.
“Many people think they are at a disadvantage if they’ve lost a parent or can’t afford to go to a private school, but my view is that nothing should hold back your determination,” says Kyle.
“I always wanted to be an example of opportunity and to uplift other learners” he adds. “This is the reason I decided to reinvest in young people by becoming a teacher and launching a book club to inspire a love for reading,” Kyle continued.
Currently he holds title to a list of accolades and strives to achieve greater heights:
• Author of 13 published novels – 9 of which were written and published in 2021 alone
• His books achieved Top 100 in book sales ranking in three different categories on Amazon.com
• Holds an Honors degree in Molecular Biology and has recently submitted a thesis for his master’s degree
• Founder of a Debate club at UWC discussing science related matters
• He is a High school teacher at Mount View High School in Hanover Park, the same school at which he received his secondary education. He teaches Math, Geography and Life Orientation
• Black belt holder in Ninjutsu, a type of martial arts
“I am a dreamer. I believe in hard work and pushing through the boundaries that try to limit you. I work hard and save hard to fund my dreams, be it education or publishing another book or furthering my martial arts training.
Kyle is the epitomy of balance and excellence. Every aspect of his life is engaged with consistency and commitment.
“I’d like to encourage young people, don’t neglect one area of your life for excellence in another. I spend an incredible amount of quality time with my family, I invest in my faith which anchors me, I make time to nap and get good rest and bring my highest level of commitment to teaching the learners whose lives I have an opportunity to shape in some way,” adds Kyle.
“If my story can be a beacon of hope for one learner, that is more than I can ask for. My literary and sporting accomplishments are testament to the fact that hard work pays off. Hopefully I can inspire young people to be who they dream of being, despite the circumstances”, concludes Kyle.
Kyle is available for interviews, motivational talks and book club engagements. For more information, please visit https://www.kylejantjiesauthor.com
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