Paw Prints / March, 2014 9
Though not 'epic' in a classical sense, these CNN Heroes have made lasting impacts in their communities, and we celebrate their bravery, courage, and determination to improve the world in which we live.
Thulani Madondo
Thulani Madondo, 30, grew up in a family of nine with financial pressure, but that didn’t stop him from doing what he needed to stay in school. He sacrificed his time by washing cars and worked as a stock boy to earn money. By doing all this, he became the first person in his family to graduate. Five years later, he founded a program that helps young Kliptown natives. This program was KYP, and it was designed to help students like Brian Munyai go to school and be a huge x-factor to the community. KYP provided Munyai intensive tutoring that helped him pass his senior exams and find funding to attend the University of Johannesburg. This program helped change the future of many students. Madondo saw that he could give back to the community, and, although he didn’t have many opportunities when he was a kid, he didn’t want to see any other kid grow up like he had to. This group is funded by corporations and donations. It opens every workday at 7 am and they also provide food for the students. On the weekends, they play sports. They enjoy cultural activities like dancing and drumming. Here we recognize a great man that has done good things for the community and we praise him for his great efforts. God bless. Amen. –Tommy Evans and Mayra Magana-Macias
Of today's heroes