By Louise and the Dream Team | Director
Avuxeni, Minjani, Um Fekile Minjane!
One of the things I love about my job is that I get to meet amazing kids, that turn out to be AMAZING adults! If you have been with us for a while you will have met Sharmaine before. I have tracked her story since she joined us in 2013. Her journey is one which has really touched my heart, so many kids have such a tough a time in life, but with Sharmaine, to see her grow and developed over 11yrs in to a passionate, committed, young adult with such hope and zeal for the future and to see her invest back into the lives of other children is just so fulfilling.
I am extremely blessed because I am able to see behaviour change in children within 3months through our programs. With adults it takes much longer, having said that, with the Journey of Life training, we can see behaviour change by the following day as the parents report back on their homework of sharing with their children and asking them about their day. Every training we do is impactual, and we see real change, as we continue to work with other parents, they talk, we see the synergy and changes coming over time. It is so exciting. It brings me purpose, it brings me hope, it brings me a sense satisfaction to see all our hard work bear fruit.
Below I have also included a video which was created by Sharmaine when she had just started at the University studying teaching back in 2020.
Sharmaine is one of my hero's, and before you ask, I have many, the kids we work with are amazing individuals who shine because they are given the opportunity through your support! You have enabled a quiet young girl to engage with her life, take ownership, create a dream, work towards that dream, and succeed and go further than any one thought possible initially. You are making a huge difference and that difference is being paid forward to others. This is what you have done through your donation. This is the impact we are having all because of you!
TOGETHER WE ARE CHANGING LIVES!
God bless you
Louise
My name is Sharmaine, and I am now a driven and passionate individual who embraces challenges. I joined Scouting in 2013 through our partnership with Keep The Dream 196, unaware of the profound impact it would have on my life. Initially, I thought Scouting was just about having fun, but it's so much more - it's about personal growth, learning, and making a difference.
Before Scouting, I struggled with socializing and self-expression. I wasn't interested in education and lacked direction. However, through Scouting and Keep The Dream 196, my life transformed. I gained confidence, learned to stand up for myself, and developed valuable skills like leadership, creativity, and time management.
Scouting taught me the importance of helping others without expectation and overcoming very difficult challenges under pressure. I've learned to plan ahead and developed a strong sense of purpose. The support from Akela Louise, Akela Zabe, and Akela Nkulu has been instrumental in my growth. These ladies have mentored, mothered and supported me through difficult seasons such as the recent loss of my mother.
I'm proud to say that I have graduated with a Bachelor's degree in teaching from the University of Limpopo in 2023 and I am currently working at Sedan Mbetana Primary School. I also serve on the Child Protection Committee for KTD196, representing the beneficiaries. I'm also honoured to be supporting a young Scout who has faced sexual abuse, using my experiences to make a positive impact.
In addition, I've taken on various leadership roles, including Regional Young Leaders Representative, Chairperson of the Rover Crew at the University of Limpopo, and Scouts South Africa Youth Influencer. I've completed my Warrant Training in Scouts and continue to serve as a Tutor and am the Regional Co-ordinator for Rovers who are the 18-30yr olds.
I'm grateful to Keep The Dream 196 for empowering me to find my voice and purpose. I'm proud to be part of their scouting program, together both organizations are changing lives and inspires others to make a difference.
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