Lifeskills for 2,587 Children in South Africa

Greetings, Avuxeni! Umfekile minjane!

I hope you are well and that life is treating you kindly? I said in my last report, it was camp time, we took over 150 children to camp for a week through your support. Thank you so much. I thought about sharing some of the happenings until I met Lindani, and decided he would speak for the both of us. 

Lindani is a very active and passionate scout from 1st Burgersdorp and 1st Myakayaka as you will see in his story he has written. Before you ask, NO I did not write his story. This is all his work, to be totally honest I did remove a few "scouts" and replaced it with "KTD196" because the children do not see a difference between the work we at KTD196 and the project of scouts as we implement it in Limpopo. I promise the rest are his words. I have broken it into two parts, which next week will be part 2. 

The camp was wonderful and I have included some photos of activities. For now, please enjoy Lindani's Story,  very articulate story, a story which you have allowed him to share, a story in which he has a dream because of you.

Blessings

Louise

Growing up, I was a boy who lacked respect and was quick to judge others. However, my life took a significant turn when I joined the scouts and became a part of the KTD196 program. My name is Lindani, a young individual who hails from a humble background. I come from a close-knit community where opportunities for personal growth and development were limited. I was born and raised in Myakayaka, a small village nestled in the heart of Limpopo. The village's tight-knit community often struggled with limited resources and opportunities for its youth. 

I was drawn to the KTD196 for several reasons. Firstly, I yearned for a sense of belonging and camaraderie that I had never experienced before. Secondly, I wanted to challenge myself and learn valuable life skills that would shape my future. Lastly, I saw the overall program as an opportunity to give back to my community and make a positive impact.

Before joining KTD196, I was a troubled child, often engaging in poor behavior. I lacked direction and purpose, and my actions reflected this. I struggled with discipline, lacked self-confidence, and had a pessimistic outlook on life. I was trapped in a cycle of negativity, yearning for a chance to break free. Before joining the program, I was a child who struggled with respect for others and often made quick judgments based on superficial impressions. I lacked empathy and failed to understand the importance of embracing diversity and appreciating the unique qualities of individuals.

The experience has been a transformative experience, molding me into the person I am today. Through the program, I have learned the importance of teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. The structured activities and challenges have instilled discipline and a strong work ethic within me. Moreover, the supportive environment of Scouts has boosted myself confidence and helped me develop apositive mindset.

Scouts has also provided me with numerous opportunities for personal growth. From learning essential survival skills to engaging in community service projects, I have gained a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The program has taught me the value of giving back and being an active member of society.

Upon completing my education, I aspire to pursue a career as a neurosurgeon and a successful businessman. These ambitions have been fueled by the confidence and determination that KTD196 has instilled in me. I believe that my experiences have equipped me with the necessary skills to excel in these fields and make a meaningful impact to society.

As a Neurosurgeon, my primary goal would be to provide advanced medical care and contribute to the well-being of the community. By specializing in the intricate field of neurosurgery, I would have the opportunity to diagnose and treat complex conditions of the nervous system, including   the brain and spinal cord. Through surgical interventions and innovative treatment approaches, I aim to improve the quality of life for patients and restore their neurological function.   

The community would benefit from my expertise by having access to specialized care for conditions such as brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, and neurodegenerative disorders. By collaborating with other healthcare professionals, conducting research, and staying updated with the latest advancements, I would strive to enhance the field of neurosurgery and contribute to medical knowledge and innovation. 

As a renowned businessman, I would aim to create opportunities and economic growth within the community. By establishing successful businesses, I would generate employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy. Moreover, I would prioritize social responsibility by actively engaging in charity and supporting community development initiatives. By promoting entrepreneurship and sharing my knowledge and experience with aspiring business owners, I would empower individuals to pursue their dreams and contribute to the economic

prosperity of the community. Additionally, I would strive to create sustainable business practices, promote environmental consciousness, and invest in initiatives that address societal challenges, thereby leaving a positive and lasting impact on the community. 

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the individuals and sponsors who have supported KTD196throughout the years. As a young person who directly benefitted from the organization's programs and initiatives, I can confidently say that their support has made a significant impact on my life.

KTD196 provided me with invaluable opportunities for personal growth, education, and mentorship. Their commitment to empowering young individuals like myself has shaped me into the person I am today. The financial support from generous sponsors has allowed KTD196 to create opportunities, organize educational workshops/camps, and provide resources that have opened doors for countless young people, including myself. I am forever grateful for the opportunities they have provided, as they have not only helped me pursue my dreams but have also equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in various aspects of life.

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all those who have contributed to KTD196's mission. Your belief in the potential of young people and your dedication to supporting their growth and development is truly inspiring. Your generosity has not only transformed individual lives but has also impacted entire communities by creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Thank you for investing in the future and for being a beacon of hope for young individuals like myself. Your support has made a lasting difference, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities that KTD196 and its sponsors have provided me and countless others.

Thank you 

Lindani

Links:

• I haven't received any feedback about the new look website?
• Facebook is a great way to keep up to date!

Avuxeni (Said AVUSHENEE)

Two weeks ago I spoke about KTD196 plans for the next 5yrs of being intentionally focussed on reducing abuse experienced by the children initially in our program, and then towards other children not yet in our program.

This week we are going to camp, we are going to have 2 camps of 40children, and we will be training the kids in monitoring and assessing the current status of their families, schools and communities in relation in Children’s Rights in particular Child Participation. These two camps will create a base line; we already know from the Children’s Rights Situational Analysis (CRSA) we performed in 2022, but this will specifically inform our monitoring tools.

What I love about camp is that we get to spend intensive time with the kids, really touch base for extended periods of time and, of course, have fun.

Don’t underestimate the power of fun, play builds a child in so many areas and in so many ways.

• Stimulates early brain development
• Improves intelligence
• Sparks creative thinking
• Improves communication, vocabulary, and language
• Promotes impulse control and emotion regulation
• Growth in social competence and empathy
• Better physical and mental health
• Fosters creativity and curiosity

All of which immunizes the child against self-harm which constitutes 21.5% of all deaths in children in South Africa.

As we roll out our other interventions such as Journey of Life training with the parents we are already seeing wonderful changes amongst the ladies, these changes are being felt in the families already, later this year we will be meeting with the mums and the children and confirming the longevity of the changes on the families. It is so exciting.

I am looking forward to sharing more about the what the children report and learn this week. THANK You for making this possible. Your support enables us to comprehensively address these issues and bring lasting change.

On behalf of the next generations we are influencing, THANK YOU!

Blessings

Louise

Links:

• Check out our new look website, please give feedback!
• Facebook is a great way to keep up to date!