Nneka Nwodo’s eyes light up as she talks about “The Color Purple”. The show mirrored her passion for feminism and women empowerment and was her best theatrical outing to date.
As the director of Nerina’s winning house play, “Cornered” in 2017 and a lead actress in the EADS production of “Abomination”, Nneka’s thespian pursuits at Jeppe Girls have provided an opportunity for her to look at life from a different perspective. She reflects how the stage provides a platform for her to be dramatic and a little bit crazy – the antithesis of how she comes across in person as a quiet and calm presence.
Now in Matric, the words she comes up with about her nearly five years at Jeppe are kindness and love. The 67 blankets campaign provided an opportunity for her to learn how to crotchet and appreciate the good feeling of giving back and helping people in need.
Nneka is an alto in the school choir where she particularly loves singing African spirituals. The choir are practising hard ahead of the World Choir Games in Pretoria later this year. The opportunity to participate in this prestigious event at an international level is appreciated by her, as is the dedication required to ensure success on this stage. This underscores the primary lesson which she takes from Jeppe – to work hard for what she wants in life, and the importance of determination.
The Ruth First scholarship provided Nneka the opportunity to attend Jeppe and experience these highlights. She takes delight in her sponsor being the Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust, and her association thereby with the President.
Nneka’s favorite subjects are Afrikaans (an easy A!) and Design. Her dream is to study Medicine or Accounting at Wits or the Free State university next year. She will be sad to leave the friends and memories behind when she moves on but the world is waiting for her.