Oops, tech gremlins struck again. We are sorry to report that our January IF KIT - with lots of extra love for our Video Mentors - didn't release as expected. Just as we try to inspire our Net Buddies when things don't go as planned, here's giving it another go.

Exam Excitement

For 12^th graders the world over, exam results day is an emotionally charged rollercoaster. Did they make their grades? Have they done enough to confirm their college place? What if things didn’t go to plan? 

For teens in South Africa’s township communities, there’s even more riding on their exam success. It’s not purely their own hopes and dreams that are at stake. It’s also the future prospects for their families.  

We all know that growing up in a low-income environment comes with a multitude of stressors.  And that goes double for those who have endured the lingering inequities of an apartheid system. 

So, expectations are high for youngsters who have knuckled down and stayed in school through 12^th grade (known as Matric in South Africa). Not only that they will go on to tertiary study and eventually secure good jobs for themselves, but that they will also help to uplift and take care of their families.  Click here to read how Infinite Family’s 12^th graders did this year.

It's a huge burden for a high school senior to carry but one that the teens on Infinite Family’s mentorship program are prepared for. Yet, this year’s graduating cohort faced extra challenges. On top of the Covid 19 pandemic, lengthy and disruptive blackouts (power cuts) impacted them at a critical time in their school journey. Click here to see our Net Buddies' results.

Where Would We Be Without Mentors?

January is National Mentoring Month, which creates an opportunity to shine a light on the value of mentorship as a way to support youngsters who are grappling with school and life. And, more importantly, it’s our annual chance to celebrate our own team of mentors who give their time and their wisdom every week to help our Infinite Family teens find their way in the world. 

We literally could not do what we do without these wonderful, thoughtful, caring, and inspiring people who are appreciated more than they will ever know!

Take Dr Jagruti Gandhi, who has been with Infinite Family since 2012 and, so far, has mentored eight Net Buddies in different South African locations. Affectionally known to them as Jagi, she says, “I love what I do and these children need support.” 

Drawn to get involved by an awareness of the many obstacles they face (at home, at school and in their communities) and her desire to make a positive impact, she says she finds mentoring to be ‘very fulfilling and noble work.’ Currently, Dr. Gandhi is mentoring two Net Buddies from different locations in Johannesburg and says she is struck by the stories they share during their sessions and their resilience and determination to succeed despite their many daily challenges.  “I learn as much from them as they do from me and watching them improve their academic performance and grow in confidence makes it a fulfilling and impactful endeavor.” 

Click here to read one of Jagi's Net Buddy’s story.

Net Buddies and Video Mentors are the heart of our Infinite Family

Click here to see the Infinite Family Anniversaries we celebrate in January.

Thank you for being our Infinite Family

Yes, I do encourage my friends to join Infinite Family so that they can find people to guide them in life.  ~ Lesedi*, Net Buddy