By Elizabeth Niemiec | Development Intern
Danren, now a ninth grade student at Christel House South Africa, started attending Christel House when he entered the first grade in 2006. He lives in Cape Town with his grandmother, mother, father and four sisters. Danren believes the biggest issues in his community are gang-related violence and a lack of caring about education. There are often riots between various schools throughout his community.
Being the only boy, Danren had an early start practicing the core values taught at Christel House—respect, responsibility, independence, and integrity. “I try my hardest to apply them to my daily life,” he says. He often takes care of the house and his sisters while his mother and father are at work.
Danren believes it is important to take advantage of the opportunities that come his way. “Whenever I’ve got an opportunity, I grab it...because I’ve learned that if you don’t grab an opportunity, it might not come back,” he says. One opportunity that Danren has utilized is the medical care at Christel House. With only having one kidney, he feels fortunate to have that service. “They take care of me,” he shared.
This fearlessness plays out in Danren’s life in other ways as well. Despite being the youngest and shortest boy at tryouts for the school volleyball team, he not only made the team, but quickly became their captain.
Danren has big goals for his future. He would like to study at a technical university and become a marine biologist. He says, “I really like sea life. With being a marine biologist, I think I would be really happy. My heart is set on it.” With the support of Christel House, along with his two sisters—who are both graduates of Christel House South Africa, Danren is well on his way to a brighter future. “Thank you for giving me everything that I need,” he says.
Thank you for your ongoing support of ‘Help South African H.S. Grads Attend College.’ Danren is one of roughly 728 current Christel House South Africa students who will have a better life because you care.
But there are many more students in need. Would you consider an end of year gift for our students? A gift to help break the cycle of poverty could be the best thing you do all year.
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