My name is Tshiyamo Motswakae, I am 21 years old and live in Diepsloot Ext 1. After I completed my matric, my life changed as I entered adulthood. At first, I went to college to study hospitality management but had to drop out due to financial problems. This is when life began to get tough.
I had a responsibility to help my mother who had been the sole breadwinner as a domestic worker, for 21 years. I started looking for employment but had no luck, and in the end, gave up even trying to send out my CV. My mom encouraged me to do people’s laundry to generate an income, but I believed in myself so I kept looking for opportunities. I heard about Afrika Tikkun Services (ATS) and the programmes it offers. To be honest I was actually looking for a job and not a skills programme, not knowing how it would help me.
At times, I wanted to drop out because it was not an easy journey, but honestly, the programme was an eye-opener and I started gaining confidence through the presentations we had in class. I was taught how to use a computer and some work-related skills that uplifted my skills and my vocabulary. Engaging with people became much easier and living the ATS values became a norm. After the 3 months programme, through ATS, I can now proudly say I am well-groomed. I joined the Alumni leadership and that keeps me busy. Thank you Afrika Tikkun Services because I now know who I am. I would like to encourage young people of today to join the life-changing work readiness programme. Life is easy when you know where you are going and Afrika Tikkun is the way.
