Megan

‘In May 2017, I decided to start volunteering at Mimosa, one of the after-school programme centres in Bonteheuwel. I was there for a couple of months until the centre coordinator referred me to Youth Skills Development [YSD] Programme to help me learn and upskill myself. At the end of July 2017, I joined the YSD hospitality programme because I was clueless when it came to cooking.

I was very shy when I joined, and I lacked confidence in myself and my ability. However, the staff and the mentors at the Amy Foundation saw my potential and helped me to push myself out of my comfort zones. They really helped me to build my confidence. During my three months on the programme, I learnt how to cook, and how to bake, my English improved and I learnt how to work with in a diverse environment, getting to know more about other people’s cultures and beliefs.

After three months, I was granted an opportunity through the Amy Foundation to participate in a one-year leadership programme with DYNA. This was a chance for me to get my NQF level 4 in Generic Management.

At first, there were 15 learners in the programme, then this reduced to six of which I was one. Due to my positive attitude and dedication, I was the final one selected to work on a temporary basis in the offices of the Amy Foundation, in an admin support role. I received a monthly stipend during the leadership programme, which I used to provide food for my family and to obtain my driver’s license. After my leadership programme ended, the Amy Foundation offered me a position as a permanent employee.

I am still learning every day in my role as a workshop coordinator. I enjoy my job at the Amy Foundation as my passion is to help enrich lives and make a difference.

In the future, I would like to go and study information technology (IT) and start my own business in this field.

My words of wisdom would be that if I can do it, you can do it. Do not let your current circumstances hold you back. The Amy Foundation saw my potential and helped me grow into who I am today. Don’t be afraid of what the future holds, just go for it and take every opportunity you are blessed with.’