By Pumza Marubelela | Communications & Stakeholder Manager
The month of June in South Africa is Youth Month. A day where we commemorate the youth of 1976 who stood up against the brutal and unjust Apartheid government. These youth were fighting for an equal education system. Although today we have freedom in South Africa, equal education is still something we are working towards. Covid-19 has unfortunately reversed most of the gains made as our education system is strained once more. There is still hope though, we spoke to a number of young people in our centres/chapters to find out from them what inspires and motivates them as youth volunteers in our centres/chapters. This is Karabo's story.
Karabo says: The work I do at Shine gives me the greatest opportunity to impact life positively every session. Seeing the learners excited to learn something new each day, encourages me to do more and give my best at all times. There is nothing in the world that can be compared to the feeling I get when I see all the breakthroughs the learners have and seeing their smiles after mastering something is just priceless.
When we asked her what inspired her: I am inspired by everyone who is willing to work hard, earn an honest living and live for a purpose. One of my biggest inspirations is Oprah Winfrey; growing up she didn't have it easy, but she made it a point in life that she succeeds and gives back to the less fortunate. Just like Oprah Winfrey, I am willing to work hard no matter how long it takes to change my home situation, as well as the lives of others. "Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough" - an inspirational quote by OG Mandino.
What would she like to say to other young people: As young people, we are facing a lot of challenges that can easily shift our focus on goals. Poverty is one of the socio-economic issues that has hit us hard for many years and it's up to us to address it. We cannot continue being influenced by the blind-sighted society that sets deadlines for success and tells us that the road to success has no potholes. With hard work, determination, discipline, and passion all dreams can come true. Nothing is impossible, strong walls shake but never collapse. Let's keep our heads in the game.
And where does she see herself in five years: In 5 years I would like to see myself as a qualified teacher and businesswoman. I am one of the people that strongly believe that "Education is the key to success". The reason I would like to become an educator is that I understand the importance of having a good foundation of education in one's life. I would also like to have registered my public transport business for school children. The aim of this business is job creation and providing safe & affordable transport in our communities.
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