What is a challenge you’ve disrupted or overcame?
There are so many challenges I have faced. I don’t know where to start, but all of these things have made me the person I am today.
I lost both my parents when I was fourteen and I really wasn’t ready to be in their absence. It was hard at that time because I depended on them for so much, emotionally and physically, but I believed things would get better and I was able to overcome this challenge.
My first job was a volunteer position, but after several years they didn’t employ me. I was disappointed and felt down. I was resilient and kept looking for jobs everywhere. I knew it wasn’t the end of the world and maybe that position was not meant for me. Fortunately, in 2008 I joined Thanda and after that everything changed. My life really began there and I started to feel more confident.
What is your happiest memory?
When I think about getting this job at Thanda, I know it shaped my life. Now, I am getting my tourism certificate so I can see where life takes me next. I did a two-year program and am waiting for the results now. I’d love to work in tourism because I love people.
What do you like about being an After-school Facilitator at Thanda?
I love to work with kids because they remind me of myself growing up. They also have many challenges and now, I am able to help them. I don’t want to see them give up because something is tough.
Losing my parents helps me to relate to children in my class who need to open up and talk about issues they would normally talk to their immediate parents about. I understand their behaviour and that they are behaving in this way because of some outside issues, it’s not just because they are that way. The behaviour of a person tells you where that person comes from.
Can you tell us a story about a child in your class who overcame a challenge?
The kids in my class are growing a lot and learning so much through Thanda. This year I am working with Grade 4 and they sometimes act crazy – they are unstoppable, but have a lot of fun.
A challenge I have is that the children like to fight and I think that’s because some of them, especially the boys, are older and have too many responsibilities at home. They might have lost their parents and are living with extended family who needs their help. Some have to herd animals and spend time with older boys so they feel older or learn to fight. Then, they come here and they want to be powerful too and see their own age as younger than them.
At my school, kids have stopped fighting so much because we talk about it and we get through it together. Sometimes they are fighting to get rid of anger, but I am happy because these activities we are giving them are actually boosting their confidence and empathy and making things better.
