Morafe 2023 Capstone Trip Reflections: IAWA Ambassador Sibongile

Sibongile painting a pensioners house in Brits as part of a community service project with Hope4Kasi

I want to take time to publicly thank God. He has been so good to me, and continues to cover my life in ways that are much greater that even I have prayed for. I normally keep to myself and I don’t usually share details of my life, but today I am so overcome with gratitude and amazement that I need share how good God has been. 

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. Young people's smiles that have laid dormant are now shining as bright as the sun!

There’s so much more I could say, but I will just say this:

Never give up on yourself. It’s okay to pivot, take breaks, and even explore new paths, but never let yourself believe the lies that you cannot do it. You can do it! Be kind, courageous, pray A LOT, love on yourself, and give to others (but never pour from an empty cup). One day you’ll look up and find yourself living those dreams you used to pray about. 

I would also like to thank the Founder, Meisha thank you for everything. I'm greatful for having you by my side. Since day one you've been so sweet and kind to us may the Lord bless you with something so big that you cannot be able to lift because you deserve that. You have such a beautiful heart thank you so much!

Sibongile checking out the fire engine at the tour of the Rustenburg Fire Station

This year's camp was exciting! Hmm, where do I begin first? Okay, first I must thank god for developing our program with a mission to reach out to us, especially at such a difficult time during the pandemic. It was still able to supply mentors and prepare us to be able to shape our future. We enjoyed the camps, and we learned a lot about things we didn't know. We are so fortunate to have IAWA because right now we are able to choose the right path, but other people don't know: they do not have the same level of access to new experiences and exposure to the broader world. I would love to see this program grow so that more young people like us get the support that IAWA offers. It also taught me how to decide what's right and what's wrong, we now know what to do especially when we are challenged with new situations.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has generously donated to support IAWA and the fundraising efforts of our program. Your incredible contributions have made an enormous impact and I am truly overwhelmed by your support. Your support to IAWA and our fundraisers made all these new learnings and experiences possible!

I'm Sibongile and I AM courageous.