Can there be anything more gratifying than hearing from one of our Infinite Family members that life after school is going well and they’re happy on the path they’ve set for themselves? For us, it’s pretty hard to beat! Especially when they’ve had the opportunity to put their resilience and self-belief to the test and come out flying.
When Net Buddy Lesedi left high school in Johannesburg’s Alexandra township eighteen months ago, armed with a full ride scholarship and a ton of ambition, we knew she’d flourish. We also knew she’d face a slew of challenges, as she headed off to University in another town, and had to learn to live independently, manage money for the first time and find a way to balance her studies and her social life on a campus full of distractions.
When her mentor caught up with her recently, Lesedi was glowing and bursting with news about it all:
Her friends … a fun bunch of like-minded students with big dreams and determination to match!
Her studies … worried at first that she might have picked the wrong course but now loving it!
Her accommodation challenges … security issues and a landlord who didn’t play fair, so she negotiated herself a new rental agreement and a new place to stay!
Her scholarship … the relief of having her education funded, the freedom of having money of her own, and so many super-stimulating opportunities to network with her peers at a conference!
Lesedi also took the time to be in touch with Program Director Zoleka Petse recently.
“Hi Sis Zoleka, I hope this message finds you well. I’ve been thinking about you and the Infinite Family programme a lot lately, and I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for the impact you’ve had on my life. Please know that I hold you and the programme in high regard. Your guidance and support have been invaluable to me, and I’m so thankful for the opportunities [it has given me].
I recently attended the ABSA Fellowship Workshop, and it was an incredible experience. I was [also] in Alexandra last week visiting family and caught up with Uncle Alfred. He invited me to stop by the Infinite Family offices, but I had to decline since I was heading to the workshop. Please let him know that it went well, and I appreciate his interest. Thank you again for always being there and for believing in me.”
With her words here, together with the updates shared with her mentor, our Infinite Family can be in no doubt about important role you have played in our teens’ success with your contribution to Infinite Family. Although their lives are not smooth and easy, thanks to your support, and their commitment to the programme, they go out into the world with what they need to thrive, despite all the bumps and potholes.