Who is your hero?

My hero is Angela Larkan, the Co-founder of Thanda. I was in grade 11 when Thanda first came to my school, which was the beginning of the organisation, 2010.  It was a big surprise and I was glad to be a part of it. Especially because in my home I grew up with my granny and I didn’t receive a lot of information or have opportunities to improve myself and explore my talents. All I had done my entire life was school and academics.

The programme assisted me to pass my metric. Those years, most kids were failing, but I passed my physical science and maths and my class still holds the highest number of kids passing in one year. Afterward, I was not able to go to University because my Granny could not afford it. There are very few opportunities to work or gain skills, so I stayed at home a lot. Then Thanda offered me the opportunity to volunteer if I wanted to and I took it right away. Then, in 2011 I got my first full-time job as a Thanda Facilitator. At that point I became the breadwinner for my family. From 2011 until today I am the breadwinner. While I was working at Thanda, I did a certificate in Financial Management so I could gain skills on how to keep track of my finances and not spend money on useless things. Now, I am about to start a teaching degree with UNISA.

In 2014, I asked Angela and Tyler if they would allow me to explore America for a summer camp programme as a Camp Leader. They agreed without hesitation and I went to Pennsylvania. There, I was able to be a leader to a different group of children each week throughout the summer. I found this opportunity online and I was very glad to still have my job at Thanda when I came back. If they said no, I would not have gone because I would not want to lose this job after the summer since it’s how I support my family.  They were very kind and assisted me with the paperwork and followed up with how I was doing. The programme was really nice because I was able to learn about different cultures and places and work with different children. I gained a lot of experiences that help me here regarding taking care of and teaching children.

What qualities do you believe a hero has?

My hero, Angela Larkan, has a lot of love and patience. I know it is not always easy to work in this area. When I first started working here I wasn’t very good at my job, but they helped me and taught me the different ways that I can improve myself in my work and learn new skills.

So, a hero loves people and is patient. They just want to help at the end of the day. Whatever they do, they make sure it is successful, no matter what happens…such as helping me make my dreams come true.

Tell us about a time when you have been a hero to someone else?

I am hero to the children that I work with. I am a Primary School Facilitator and I teach grades R and 1. I love teaching the little ones because in my community people do not always respect their opinions. Someone who is young is not taken very seriously, and it is an elder whose opinion that counts. I believe this discourages young children to make decisions and share their opinion. Also, their self-esteem is lower at an important age for development. So I feel like spending time with children gives me a chance to give them the attention that they need and a chance to hear about what they think about the things that are happening in their lives, what they appreciate, what their expectations are, etc. They share issues and challenges that they face with their families that they cannot always share with their parents. They can open up to me and in our community that is a huge need. This has given me a skill to love people and be open both in my classes and with anyone I meet.

I am also a hero in that I provide for my family and make sure we have a home. I take care of my grandma and my two siblings, a brother and a sister.

So you are a lot like Angela?

(laughter) Yes. I suppose so. I am glad I am like that now and have grown through this job. That is why I want to become a teacher, so I can help others even more.

Was it difficult to grow up with just your grandmother?

Yes, but I am stronger for it. I love to talk to children who have those gaps in parents because I also grew up without them. When I was young, kids would mention the presents that they got from their parents, and I was sad and ashamed that I grew up without that. I felt like I did it to myself and it was really a challenge. I always wished someone would just show up. But now, I made it and am older. I am even encouraging to those children that it is possible and they will be ok. It gives you strength and more time to explore your own abilities.

Do you want to travel again?

I’d love to travel, but with my studies starting soon I will only have the school holidays. I am starting to save money for myself, for things like traveling. I would love to go back and visit friends in America again.

Ever thought about giving monthly to a truly heroic cause?

The Thanda Superheroes are a group of monthly donors who are fighting food insecurity, poor education, and unemployment – creating real and lasting change in rural South Africa. With these powers, they are building a world where everyone can be a hero in their own communities.

Join the fight today at www.thanda.org/monthly-superheroes/