We’re excited to welcome Pheyello Tshepo Namane—who goes by Tshepo—to the I Am, We Are (IAWA) team! Tshepo first joined IAWA in 2021 as a Youth Facilitator, helping young people navigate challenges beyond home and school. Through his journey, he has developed skills in coaching, leadership, and empathic listening—tools he now brings to his new role. Read on to learn more about Tshepo’s journey and the impact he hopes to make!

"During our visit to Hope4Kasi for community service, we cleaned the yard and painted a house for grandparents. This experience taught me the importance of helping the community. It enriches your life, familiarizes you with your community, and connects you with people and ideas that can positively impact your perspective for the rest of your life," shares IAWA Ambassador Tlotlego.

"They shared the harsh realities we might encounter, but the lesson was clear: no matter how challenging it gets, never give up, study hard, and stay true to ourselves," recants IAWA Ambassador, Masetshaba as she reflects on her visit to the University of Pretoria during the capstone trip.

"IAWA is such a special place for young people like me. We’ve witnessed young people flourishing through opportunities to develop their social and life skills leading them to deal effectively with the demands of everyday life." Hear from IAWA Ambassador Sibongile as she reflects on her experiences in IAWA and on the Capstone Trip.

"Personally, the camp felt like a message from God, telling me how much He loves me and that I should appreciate the life He gave me, living it to the fullest. He sent this message through good people like Meisha and all the individuals supporting the organization, allowing people like us to see the light." Hear more IAWA Ambassador Moses and his experiences attending the capstone trip as a Youth Facilitator.

When IAWA first began the mission was simple, to show young people that with the right tools they could do anything. We had hopes that the work we were doing way back when, would lead to the type of people that would go into communities and plant the same seeds. In a sense that those we taught to fish would some day teach others

We talk about our vision to empower young people. How we see a world where they are socially engaged, globally aware, and economically free. But, what do we mean by that, and how do we accomplish this?