In our Westbury programme we don’t have a major donor taking care of the bulk of the expenses of running the programme. The income comes from many different people, contributing major amounts and others contributing smaller amounts. Every single one of you has helped to make this service possible. Every single one of you has had a hand in this young man’s road to success. Although he sees only the people he knows, your contribution made his story a happy one.

To: My Dearest Caregivers

I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you (childcare givers) at the Abraham Kriel Family Programme in Westbury, who have been there for me since I joined the Abraham Kriel family. It has been a privilege to be a part of this family because I always had a shoulder to lean on when days were dark.

I can still remember the day I wanted to drop-out of school because of peer pressure. My friends and I had convinced each other that we had to drop-out as our grades were not looking great. I remember how when I told you about this decision, you encouraged me to do better. You made me understand that bad grades were not the end of the world and that I can still improve and can achieve anything if I put my mind to it. You gave me great examples of people who had failed a number of times but still made a success of their lives. That inspired me and gave me a new perspective – you’re allowed to fail but never allow fear to overcome your will to succeed.

Your encouragement and support helped me understand the importance of education. Knowing I had my family in my corner, I decided to go back to school. And, even though I knew I would look like a failure to my friends, I knew I could do better. I’m very proud to say that I did very well that year (2015) with my studies. I managed to pass all my terms because of the support I received from the family. I was amazed and shocked at how well I behaved, the level of participation I put towards my work and my attitudes towards my school work changed. I was passing with flying colours, took part in physical activities and I even got the chance to be to be the captain of the soccer team. I also had the opportunity to be the chairperson of the youth league. The Abraham Kriel family taught me a lot of things and today, I can proudly say I completed my secondary schooling and have a Matric certificate and am currently studying towards my HR Management diploma.

So, with all this, I just want to thank everyone for their support. You motivate, encourage and teach us valuable life skills. Uncle Packson, Aunt Zoe, Aunt Visia, Aunt Pinky, Aunt Stocky, Aunt Lesego and Aunt Diane – I don’t know how to thank you all. You’ve pushed me and motivated me to keep moving forward and for that I am eternally grateful.

May God be with each and every one of you. May He keep you and bless you with many more years in your lives. You will forever be my family. Thank you.

From an eternally grateful beneficiary

Tshidiso Molefe.

Tshidiso (21) is currently studying at Westcol Technical and Vocational Education and Training College in Krugersdorp and his textbooks and tuition fees are covered by NSFAS.

My dearest caregivers

In ons program in Westbury het ons nie ’n enkele groot donateur wat verantwoordelikheid neem vir meeste van die onkoste om die program te bedryf nie. Die inkomste kom van verskillende mense, wat of groot bydraes maak of kleiner bedraes gee. Elkeen van u het gehelp om die diens moontlik te maak. Elkeen van u het bygedra tot hierdie jong man se pad na sukses. Hy weet wel net van die mense wat hy leer ken het, maar u bydraes het sy verhaal ’n gelukkige een gemaak. Sy dankiebrief hieronder gaan ek nie in Afrikaans vertaal nie. Ek wil graag hê u moet self ervaar hoe mooi hy in Engels skryf.

To: My Dearest Caregivers

I want to take this time to thank each and every one of you (childcare givers) at the Abraham Kriel Family Programme in Westbury, who have been there for me since I joined the Abraham Kriel family. It has been a privilege to be a part of this family because I always had a shoulder to lean on when days were dark.

I can still remember the day I wanted to drop-out of school because of peer pressure. My friends and I had convinced each other that we had to drop-out as our grades were not looking great. I remember how when I told you about this decision, you encouraged me to do better. You made me understand that bad grades were not the end of the world and that I can still improve and can achieve anything if I put my mind to it. You gave me great examples of people who had failed a number of times but still made a success of their lives. That inspired me and gave me a new perspective – you’re allowed to fail but never allow fear to overcome your will to succeed.

Your encouragement and support helped me understand the importance of education. Knowing I had my family in my corner, I decided to go back to school. And, even though I knew I would look like a failure to my friends, I knew I could do better. I’m very proud to say that I did very well that year (2015) with my studies. I managed to pass all my terms because of the support I received from the family. I was amazed and shocked at how well I behaved, the level of participation I put towards my work and my attitudes towards my school work changed. I was passing with flying colours, took part in physical activities and I even got the chance to be to be the captain of the soccer team. I also had the opportunity to be the chairperson of the youth league. The Abraham Kriel family taught me a lot of things and today, I can proudly say I completed my secondary schooling and have a Matric certificate and am currently studying towards my HR Management diploma.

So, with all this, I just want to thank everyone for their support. You motivate, encourage and teach us valuable life skills. Uncle Packson, Aunt Zoe, Aunt Visia, Aunt Pinky, Aunt Stocky, Aunt Lesego and Aunt Diane – I don’t know how to thank you all. You’ve pushed me and motivated me to keep moving forward and for that I am eternally grateful.