March News

A new face at School of Hope and Thandeka starts the next phase of her journey

Daryn Jones (social worker) has only been working at School of Hope since March 1st, but already she has made herself indispensible. What were we doing without her? She is always on the go, thinking of new ways to add value to the school and to offer the learners a better service. She organised an outstanding Career Week, launching the career development programme with great enthusiasm. Says Daryn of her new role: "This is a very challenging position but i feel inspired and passionate about it. I know I will learn a lot from the learners at the School of Hope."

Thandeka Deda's inspiring story has been the subject of this blog before. This time last year she travelled to Sweden on an exchange programme. Later in 2012, she was named as School of Hope's Valedictorian and received a R20 000 bursary to further studies of her choice. Today she is making her dreams a reality. This month she started tuition at Hugenot College in Worcester, studying Auxillary Social Work.

She joins many others who have gone on to tersiary studies: Lunga Mdingi, is in his final year at Damelin College, studying Business. Khumbula Mdende perseveres at Cornerstone Institute, now in his third year, studying Community Development. Kirsten Cupido is in her second year at Chefs and Hospitality Skills Academy. Fatimah Santon has settled into her studies at Stellenbosch University.

We are equally proud of our working alumni, Nigel Prins working at the Boca West Country Club in Florida, USA, Thoriq Taylor at the Mount Nelson, Dawood Van Der Fort at Pick&Pay, Masakhane Mdende at Aubergines Restaurant, Manhino Dias, co-owner of Shack Records and Meghan Martin at American Swiss.

On Saturday morning I was pleasantly surprised to bump into Bianca Moyakhe who matriculated in 2011. She has been working at Cape Union Mart since mid-2012 and has recently been transferred to the branch in my neighbourhood! I caught her in the act, in front of the camping gear on display at the Bayside Centre!

Watching our learners graduate is a joy in itself, but seeing them make a success of their lives beyond School of Hope is the real reward for the hard working teachers and staff at School of Hope . They make us so proud!