Samkelo Mchunu – 2024 Gap Year

In 2024, Samkelo had the incredible privilege of spending a Gap Year as a Tutor at Rathkeale College in Masterton, New Zealand. His responsibilities included coaching sports, assisting in classrooms as a Teacher’s Aide, and serving as a Boarding House Duty Master.

Samkelo also embraced opportunities outside the classroom, playing bass in the Mamma Mia production, singing in the Rathkeale College staff choir, and participating in the Staff Kapa Haka.

In sports, he took on leadership roles such as Assistant Coach for the Development XV Rugby Team, Head Coach for the 1st 7s Rugby Team, and Assistant Coach for the U16 Wairarapa Representative Team.

Beyond school life, Samkelo represented Wairarapa Bush in the U20 team that won the Hurricanes Rugby Youth Council Heartland Competition and played club rugby.

Reflecting on his year, Sam shares:
“All the sporting achievements I experienced as a player and a coach pale in comparison to the love and care shown by the people of New Zealand. Their rich culture, strong family values, and genuine care for one another were truly humbling to witness.”

He attributes his success to the supportive communities around him:
“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini – My strength is not that of an individual, but that of many.”

Sam extends heartfelt thanks to the College family, especially Dr. Luman for facilitating this opportunity, as well as the Rathkeale College family, Marist RFC, Wairarapa Bush Whānau, and Solid Ground Church Whānau.

“Ka nui te mahi.”

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