Educate a South African Child Experiencing Poverty

This month, Nontando, a 2009 Christel House South Africa graduate, has been sharing her inspiring Christel House story in a 3-part update.

In case you missed her earlier updates:
Nontando Update (Part 1 of 3): Nontando: Growing up in the Township
Nontando Update (Part 2 of 3): Nontando: How Christel House Impacted My Life

(Part 3 of 3)

I am currently working at Chevron Refinery, which is based in Cape Town, South Africa. I am an Environmental Specialist which means I am responsible for ensuring our waste facilities are operating correctly. I track and audit the quality of groundwater at the refinery, schedule hazard assessments, provide field oversight for groundwater consultants and oversee contractor safety.

Outside of work, I am married to a wonderful husband whom I met at the University. He is a good man who has helped me grow and further develop my character and work towards my dreams. I am furthering my studies and working towards a second degree—a Bachelor of Technology in Quality Management, at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. I also serve at our church in the ladies’ leadership ministry.

My life is very different from the girls I grew up with. Many of them became teenage mothers which resulted in them dropping out of school to support their children. Some were exposed to gangs and became involved in drugs. Some have even died from drug and alcohol abuse. Others were forced to find work because their parents passed away and they needed to provide for their younger siblings.

I look at their lives and know I was just steps from where they are now. I could have been another statistic to teenage pregnancy, drugs, unemployment, etc. Growing up in an environment where there were no role models could have steered my life in the same direction. But because of Christel House, I look at my life now and realize how fortunate I am to have been given such a great opportunity to break those chains in my life.

Seeing how my life could have ended, was a great motivation. Seeing the world through the spectacles given at Christel House, NOW that made me work harder, sacrifice and reach for my dreams.

For children with statistically bleak futures, your support of Christel House South Africa opens the door to a brighter outcome. Your investment is so important to the lives of our students. We cannot do it without you. Thank you. 

Links:

• Hear Nontando's Story
• Christel House Website
• Christel House Facebook