Young leaders of South Africa
and I can feel the moisture trying to surface from my tear ducts. A part of me- the mind-piece
which challenges and doubts the purity that exists in the world had wondered if I would ever be
able to instill a passion for service in others. Here, Now, the day had come. “Do you know what
you want to do for someone today?”
To my fancy, Tshililo immediately fires back, “Yes, I want to help someone read and write.”
Lucia and Ndivhuwo chime in, “Yes! Yes!”
“Who do you want to help read and write?” I ask.
Each of the three girls instantly offer names of struggling learners in the Grade 7 English class
that they want to help. It is as if they had been thinking about this for some time.
I lean forward and look each of them in the eyes. My hand rests on Tshililo’s shoulder and her
exotic eyes look lovingly into mine. She wears a half smirk as if she knows what she’s just done
to me- nearly bringing me to my knees, my heart beats harmony as my soul performs a victory
dance. “Ladies…” I push back tears, “You just made me the happiest person today. I am so
proud of you! You are amazing!”
We make a plan, and I float in a love bubble as I observe them carrying out their goals during the
next class.
Wow. How did our goals as a group shift from popularity and flashy objects to helping someone
else right Now…”today“!? The days of wondering if I am teaching these ‘kids’ anything ARE over.
I can feel the credence erupt as we affirm in our Saturday workshops:
“Ndi vhu matshelo ha Afrika Tshi Phembe!”