Taking Charge



For a long time while growing up as a teenager in the dusty, windy streets of Pampierstad, Northern Cape in South Africa I despised the place. I had not travelled much, but to me the place resembled backwardness with absolutely no sign of civilization in the near future. I saw my growth being stifled here.
The people from here spoke a weird dialect of the Setswana language which just always got everyone into stitches. There was never anything exciting to report about on the news except when some poverty stricken man had decided to take care of his intensifying hunger by divulging on another because he had no other choice. It seemed like people had come to accept this as the norm and knew no better. I silently swore and promised myself that once I started working I would never set foot to this uncivilized place except for the dutiful parents visit once a year. Besides, I had no friends really.
I found a job and followed honoured the oath I had made to myself for some years on end and I comfortably grew accustomed to it. I had actually convinced my parents to come visit where I was residing as my brothers were also here. I sold the idea as some sort of a much needed holiday to them.
However, it was not until after about 3 years into my job that I realised I needed to do something for the community I had come to despise so much without any concrete reason except for childish ideals. I felt that if I were to be directly involved the place may change for the better and be something that one can be proud of.
I recruited a couple of my friends to get involved in the initiatives I started until one of them suggested that we actually register as an Non Profit Organisation so, that it may be formally recognised.
The road we’ve had to travel has not been easy as it seems to be filled with more potholes. It has been difficult to get everyone committed, but every challenge has been a motivation to do better. The organisation, Sediba Sa Kitso- Well of Knowledge, continues to grow and be a source of information for the many learners who would have otherwise missed opportunities available to them.

First Story
Like this story?
Join World Pulse now to read more inspiring stories and connect with women speaking out across the globe!
Leave a supportive comment to encourage this author
Tell your own story
Explore more stories on topics you care about