The IAWA Community Gathers to Celebrate

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” - Margaret Mead

We pride ourselves on creating spaces that foster community engagement and capacity building in the communities we serve.  Community support is integral to I Am, We Are successfully executing our mission to create a world where all youth are socially engaged, globally aware, and economically free. When community members can depend on each other and are working together with common goals, individuals and families are healthier and stronger and better equipped to be their best.

Recently, we hosted gatherings in the US and South Africa to support our parents, celebrate all we have achieved, and elicit feedback.

The first event was a parent’s workshop at Mmanape Secondary School in South Africa on the 23rd of October 2021. The topic was “How to Strengthen the Parent-Child Relationship.” Our Global Programs team sought to enrich our Ambassadors’ parents with an understand of different parenting styles and what impact they have on their children’s growth and development. Parents also had an opportunity to share tips on parenting challenges they are facing and brainstorm how they can support one another.

The day’s activities were not only filled with openness and joy but attendees discussed how they can be more emotionally available for their children and how they can improve two-way communication in their homes. A bonus treat was the present of Alumni Ambassadors who provided words of encouragement to parents and Ambassadors currently enrolled in the program.

Wellbeing Advisor Lebogang Maribe facilitated and reflected that: “From my end, I learned it does not matter how many kids or even parenting workshops one attends or facilitates, there is always something to learn from others as times evolve and kids are different”. And one parent mentioned she learned that communication is key even in a parent-child relationship.

On the other side of the world, it was all round happiness when our USA community, which included ambassadors, parents, facilitators and board members, also gathered for Sunday Brunch at our Founder and Executive Director Meisha Lerato Robinson’s house. After sharing a nourishing meal, everyone discussed the program and ways in which community interaction between the South African and the US communities can improve. Attendees were also elated to receive a signed copy of The Purpose Path by Nicholas Pearce.  The books were donated to our Morafe Ambassadors, Youth Facilitators by Professionals Beyond the Game Founder Juontonio Pinckney.

On 6 November 2021, the South African community came together again for a special lunch for all community members to reflect on the year’s accomplishments and preview next year’s exciting programming opportunities.  Our Founder and Executive Director Meisha Lerato along Alumi Ambassador Tsholofelo were on hand to lead the discussion with current and alumni ambassadors, parents, youth facilitators, LearnServe program participants, and other beneficiaries of I Am, We Are’s programming. Not only was it a great opportunity to meet in person after a year of virtual activities, but attendees had fun catching up.

Program participants shared their experiences in the program and provided feedback on how we continue to provide impactful service. Receiving feedback, directly from our program participants through multiple vehicles, is integral to how we provide relevant and impactful programming. We are so happy that we have a loving and supportive community that supports us!

The joyful day also featured an award presentation to LearnServe participant Langa. Langa, a student at Kitsong School in Phokeng, won R1 500 in Learn Serve’s pitch competition.  The funds are to support him bringing his winning business idea to life. Ambassadors and Youth Facilitators also received a signed copies Nicholas Pearce’s The Purpose Path.

It was amazing to hear from our Founder and Executive Director, Meisha Lerato Robinson, who shared her gratitude and presented a new project IAWA is undertaking to support the community.  IAWA is working to donate 100 LuminAid Solar Lanterns to our South African community, as it supports them during this time of increased load shedding (sanctioned periods with no electricity). Time spent by children collecting fuel can affect their ability to do their homework and keep up at school. Also, a lack of adequate electric lighting makes it difficult for children to study after dark. Meisha started I Am, We Are with a clear mission, which is to create a world where all youth are socially engaged, globally aware, and economically free, a mission that is working thanks to this community. Thank you to everyone that works hand in hand with us. We appreciate you. We are happy we could spend time with our community and make amazing memories with them!