Building Momentum
Faeeza Marshman
“I found myself residing across from a home for the aged where I saw how these members of our community were left without support or care from family members and loved ones,” says Faeeza. “I began caring for the residents, providing meals at my own expense, and it sparked my passion for tackling other societal problems head-on with my community.”
“There is so much joy in giving and helping people,” she says. “One of the highlights that stands out is putting a call for help on Facebook for the residents of a block of flat that lost everything in a fire. Help poured in from all over – the response was amazing – and after working together with housing and social services, a year later the residents were able to move back into their fully renovated flats.”
Thuleleni Mpanza
While there are challenges, such as the learners not having enough time or a quiet environment to study in at home, there are also plenty of moments that bring Thuleleni joy in the mentorship process. “When I see my little contribution making a huge difference in someone else’s life, that’s a real highlight for me,” she says. “For example, the study lamps I bought for my mentees so they can study when there’s loadshedding, or the data I buy for them so they can research and connect with their classmates to revise. Seeing the confidence they gain in themselves, the positive outlook on life that they gain from the mentoring session… these changes in behaviour all lead to good academic results, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Linette van Tiddens
“I’m driven to do this by the impact of helping someone, of seeing the absolute joy on their face by assisting in what is often a small, simple way,” says Linette. “Being part of this amazing team and showing that there is always hope is something that brings me joy,” she says. “Then seeing those people go forward in life and succeeding is incredible. For example, one of the men that was previously homeless and on drugs was facilitated by our programme, completed rehab, reintegrated with his family and found a job – his pride to be a contributing member of society is humbling.”
