Nkululeko started with Thanda as a student at age 17 in 2009. After hearing some of his classmates talk about Thanda he asked his teacher if he could join and entered the Focus on Matric program that was running at the time.

Only 4 students in Nkululeko’s class passed Matric. They were the only four from that school in Thanda.

“In 2010 my first day out of school I saw the need to do something so I joined Next Step program [at Thanda]. I learned how to present myself for an interview, how to write a business plan and other practical skills. Learned how to sow. Learned citizenship, and how to take initiative and to give back to the community.” Most importantly, “opening my eyes and seeing options as challenges. Finding the opportunities that are out there. Thinking about how to create your own opportunities. And giving back to the community, being a role model.”

Nkululeko’s vision for being a role model came to fruition when he became an Education Facilitator at Thanda in 2012. He recognized from his days as a student, the influence the facilitators had. “The teachers give you love. They become part of your family, part of your life”

Nkululeko has taken what Thanda taught him as a student and his giving back to the community youth. “We don’t only teach but also develop curiosity. Getting to use the library, (I was never in a library before). Seeing kids reading and talking about books you can see there is a brighter future in this community through Thanda”

Nkululeko has since been promoted to Education Mentor & Agriculture Manager and oversees the other facilitators and agriculture mentors. “Thanda gives a lot of responsibility and when you carry it well, it pays off. Thanda teaches you that you have choices”

Nkululeko supports his family by paying for both his brother and sister’s school fees. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of education via correspondence. In the future, he hopes to see an increase in university graduates from his community.

Describe Thanda in one word: “Home”