I have a soft spot for organizations that are geared towards making a difference and this children centre in Phokeng, Rustenburg is one such place. I think I must add that I do have a soft spot for children in general. This is the organization that is the brain-child of Aunty Agnes who is seen as one of the women who occupied the very first spot on my appreciation series.

For the time I have been there, volunteering to help teach these children Mathematics and English every week, I always get out much more than I put in. It is an experience that teaches me a lot and allows me the opportunity to grow in the process. I have also noticed that there are more girl children at this centre who attend the weekly tutorial sessions than there are boy children. It’s those girl children that are always showing initiative, drive and passion towards their studies and as a result fuel my energy towards the project and mission. The interactions, the thoughtful comversations, ideas and dreams they share with me are beyond measure and I can only hope and pray that God affords me the strength to ensure follow-through and guide them towards unleashing their full potential. Their humour is also one that I look forward to the most.

As part of my Day 25 post of my women’s month appreciation series, I dedicated it to these young,dynamic and bright women of the future who have given me a new responsibility to look forward to and have given me a renewed sense of belonging and hope. I see my purpose, calling and significance through them eachday.

Day 25 of my Women’s Month Appreciation series and today goes out to these beautiful young souls who have captured my heart and life ever since I set foot in the North West province.

My beautiful young girls from Aunty Agnes Children Centre in Phokeng (who happen to be the majority by the way) & boys who I treasure so dearly.

These little dynamites continue to give me something to live and fight for, their passion for Christ and their schoolwork warms my soul. These are young, bright kids that I assist in teaching every week after work and when I am with them, I easily come alive. I rejoyce at every progress, no matter how small that they all make and will always do, no matter what.

I will have the worst day imaginable but I tell you the mere sight of seeing them and the energy that they exert over their studies and towards life in general is enough therapy for me. I am a firm believer in the principle of ‘catching them while they are still young’ because only then will one be trully able to motivate and assist them in seeing the bigger picture of life and its obstacles quite early. And I can only do my level best at that. I am honoured and privileged to be the one tasked with that huge task, which at times, drains me out but I live in the hope of seeing them all succeed and make great things of themselves in the future.

I am inspired by these kids’ tenacity, passion, humourous nature and respect they all have for me. You don’t know how much of a big responsibility that it guides my whole outlook on life with. I am learning a lot about myself with every interaction and I am always encouraged to be better than my previous lesson. My Setswana has improved greatly, though not to a point where I can start assisting them with their home language homework though… 😜

Some of them already have powerful minds and thoughts that are beyond their ages. I see big, great things and God’s immense presence, power and beauty at the sight of each smile. I live for the roars of joy I hear whenever they see me come along…

I feel moved having to see each of you grow right in front of my eyes and for as long as I am around, I will always give my all at assiting each of you learn, succeed and reach heights you never even thought you could possibly reach. I promise to give my support for free, cheer you on always, tell each of you how special you are and how amazing you all are – the young boys included.

May God protect and keep you today and beyond for me. I know I still forget some of your birthdays but I will have a system in place (still working on it) to make sure that I remember at least most birthdays, where cake is a guarantee 😇

I thank you for helping me see the real rewards of serving, those that money cannot buy. For makimg me treasure my time and how I spend it and for giving me new light, belief and drive with this project.

In loving memory of little Gontse who sadly left us last year, my heart still bleeds at seeing her photos I have used to capture the soul of this post but God is much greater than any of our current circumstances.

You are all my powerful, young women of the future. The world and future is all yours to explore and conquer!

A very happy young women’s month to all of you!

#MyPhokengLittleStars

#MyHeart

#YoungGirlsOnFire