A former occupant of the Strandfontein Homeless Shelter built to house people during the Covid-19 pandemic is now celebrating after graduating from College of Cape Town.

Merle Alexander, 36, from the Cape Flats YMCA Rotary Camp, Strandfontein, obtained a qualification in primary healthcare level 4 in May from the College of Cape Town at Crawford Campus.

She did a three-year course as a National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) beneficiary in National Certificate Vocational Primary Healthcare, equivalent to a matric qualification.

The qualification is an entry level into primary community healthcare, working with organisations and receiving training to enhance your qualification to be able to do health talks and practices in a community-based setting, she said.

Since living in the tents in Strandfontein, her life took a “180 degree turn,” she said.

She married Leeroy Alexander, on October 31, 2020, after they met at the homeless shelter tent and fell in love (“Love blooms in temporary shelter”, Plainsman, October 28, 2020 and “I do” Plainsman November 11, 2020).

Merle and Leeroy Alexander got married on October 31, 2020, after meeting at the homeless shelter tent in Strandfontein during the pandemic.

She said from getting married, to studying, to leading drives for underprivileged people, working and being part of various projects, and currently part of youth ministry with her husband, she is grateful to serve in this way and achieve so much.

Ms Alexander graduating was a milestone for them.

“Change is possible and especially for women caught up in abusive relationships. It may not be easy but choosing the latter and wanting what’s best for you is possible,” she said.

She finished off as top achiever in her class, yet it was a real team effort, she said.

“My husband has been with me all the way and sat up many nights with me while I had to study. He made me coffee, packed my lunch, helping with assignments, wiping tears and crying with me at times when I was dealing with past traumas. The support I received from him made it possible for me to stay in the top level throughout the three years,” she said.

She also celebrates four years of being clean from drugs.

Her mentor Jennifer Esau said she met Merle in 2021 when she enrolled for her course.

“Merle is a tenacious woman with sound values. She became part of my research project, focusing on Life Skills and CV student throughput. Her contribution was invaluable, despite living in challenging circumstances and having to navigate topics of abuse and trauma covered in the curriculum,” she said.

Merle is an asset to any organisation and she hopes she pursues further studying. She’s proven to be a top achiever of the College of Cape Town, said Ms Esau.

Mr Alexander said he is very proud of his wife’s achievements and how she never fails to accomplish them. “She is so determined, jumping at the opportunity or even helping others with opportunities. I am very happy and proud of her.”

Ms Alexander even completed a skills development course in career guidance for students. She can now help students choose the right career path that fits their personality and capabilities for free.

“I can only give God the praise, honour and glory, for He has done great things in my life and has made all this possible. The Cape Flats YMCA, director, Ricardo De Reuck and his wife Natalie De Reuck, thank you for your endless support and creating a home for us. To everyone in my life, enkosi kakhulu,” said Ms Alexander.

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Merle graduates as top achiever