I would also like to thank my Mom’s employers, Thumbtribe, who trusted my Mom with a loan for my training. They also connected me with Mpower and that is how I got to have a Life Coach. I wish more young people could have the opportunity to have a Life Coach; someone to sit down and talk to about their dreams and plan towards their goals because I know how this has helped me. A few weeks ago I had an opportunity to share my story in Hambanathi during a Behaviour Change Workshop…My message to the young people there was: “Work hard, research what you want to do, and most of all don’t waste opportunities that come your way. Get out there and find something to do until you reach your goal. No one else is going to do it for you.” I was greatly humbled by this experience of talking to them. This was my way of paying it forward.

My journey with Mpower began a few years back and at that time my life it was really difficult. I had just been through a traumatic experience in my life and on top of that I had just lost my mother, my pillar of strength. I stopped going to school but Mpower still continued to work with me. They encouraged me to go back to school. They helped me to feel alive again and to realise I didn’t have to give up on my dreams because of my home situation. My dream at that time was to have a Matric certificate. This was a big deal for me as I would be the first one in my family to achieve that goal. This journey hasn’t been an easy one there were lots of ups and downs but I had people who believed in me and my abilities. I managed to pass my Matric with a Bachelor.… I have been involved in voluntary work with Mpower. This is a fulfilling experience to be able to give back in this way to children who are in need of love and guidance.… At the beginning of this year through my church I heard of an opportunity to do a course in business studies and how to be an entrepreneur. I decided to encourage my friend to apply with me. One of the advantages I had was that, through helping out at Mpower, I was already volunteering in an NGO, and that increased my chances of getting in. I realized that if you have a dream while you are working on it you need to keep yourself busy. This helps you to keep the motivation and also it creates more opportunities for you. I always encourage other young people who are sitting at home to grab any training opportunities that come to their communities.

“I would like to share a little bit of my story. Towards the end of last year Mpower told me about an opportunity to apply for an ISASA M&E Bursary. They helped me with the process of applying and I had to go and write a test. I was excited to be part of this experience. I lost my parents at a young age and my Aunt raised me. She was also very excited for me, sadly she passed away in December. She knew that I got the bursary but she never had a chance to see me off to my new School. I am doing grade 8 this year . I would like to be a lawyer one day. One thing I’ve learnt so far through the experience I’ve had is that never look at your background and limit yourself you should still pursue your dreams no matter where you come from. I want to thank Mpower for exposing me to this opportunity my life has changed since then.”

I am a poet and I really love people. I am inspired by people who value being African; people who are proud of their heritage. One day I would like to be a Business woman and a motivational speaker. I feel like I’ve lived the kind of life a lot of people can learn from and be inspired by. I want to be known for my story and for my story to travel! I have been attending Mpower’s programmes for a couple of years now. I am a member of the Voice Club and I attend coaching. Through the Voice Club’s “no weapons at school” campaign Mpower encouraged young people to find their voice and to speak out about the problems we face. But not just speak out but do something. It’s not easy trying to make a difference especially in a community where they know you. That’s no reason to keep quiet about things that matter.

This year we have embarked on the Hero Book journey with Mpower. This journey has somehow forced me to look within myself to see where I am and where I want to go but also to look at where I come from. It’s a space to deeply think about your life. A couple of times I have surprised myself with things I have discovered about myself through this process. One of the greatest benefits of Mpower’s programme is having my own Life Coach. Someone I can talk to about my fears, my dreams and my past and not feel judged. It’s like looking in the mirror and yes, sometimes it means facing some uncomfortable things in my life but they need to be dealt with. This has made me value my time with my Life Coach and the fact that she listens to me. Sometimes it’s easier to deal with things when they are out in the open. The amazing thing is that this coaching is free of charge yet it is so valuable. We appreciate the Mpower coaches for opening this door to us. My message to young people is to speak out about what is bothering you. Do not keep quiet! The more you keep quiet, the more you give the problem more power. We have people that are willing to listen and help where they can. I was heartbroken when one of the young people from my school committed suicide. It really scared me. I wish she had taken the invitation to talk about her problems.

In the beginning I hated coming to the Hero Book sessions but Sisi Phelo and Sisi Bongiwe kept on encouraging me. During Hero Book I learnt how treat others as I would like to be treated. I was a selfish, moody person and sometimes I would keep to myself but I realised that I needed to hang out with other people and get to know them. This tool has really changed my life. I am happier and I have made friends with people I never thought I would care about one day. Thank you Sisi Phelo and Sisi Bongiwe for putting up with my attitude.

Last year during our youth event you guys invited other young people who speak their mind freely and that has motivated me to speak up as well even if my English is not good but I’m not so scared like I used to be.

When we did the Hero Book journey last year at first I didn’t want t get involved because I thought it would be too emotional for me. I also thought it would be too demanding to do something like that. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it, I can say it was the most eventful and encouraging journey I’ve ever taken in my life. Mpower has inspired me by the work that they do with young people. One day I would like to do similar work to what they do. I want to be a Social Worker so that I can help people. During my Hero Book journey I explored my goals but I was also able to see the kinds of things that could prevent me from getting to my goal. I was one of the people that shared my story in front of the group when we did our celebration. I volunteered for people to hear my story because it is a powerful story of not giving up in life. My message to the young people is that if you are going through something out there just know that life is a journey that has ups and downs and it’s not fair but never give up. Keep moving forward!

I have been coming to Kids Club for so many years it feels like 10 years. I love coming to Kids Club. Its one of my favorite things to do every week. At Kids Club we play games, draw, act, play soccer and build things as well. This is where we learn to work in groups and respect each other….One of the sessions that was a highlight to me was when we were given different pieces of toys to build a car or a truck. It was such a challenging task we nearly gave up. At some point we even thought it was an impossible task. Our Kids Club facilitators didn’t allow us to give up. They kept saying we can do it and in the end we managed to build something. We were so proud of ourselves! The lesson is never give up on anything in life, you just need to keep on trying until you do it.