One person CAN make a difference!

It's not very often I come into contact with someone who truly understands what it means to make a difference but that's exactly what happened when I was recently invited to speak at Kingsway School, just off Beyers Naude drive in the northwest of Johannesburg.    What a wonderful experience!    I thought I was there to inspire, but the inspiration I received from the staff and learners will stay with me for a long time and the story of how the school got started is an extremely powerful example of how one person can make a difference!

It all began when a lady, who was extremely concerned about children begging on street corners, did a little investigating and found that they were either homeless or parentless or both and that begging was their only means of survival. She soon made her garage available and started providing food and basic numeracy and literacy skills to 20 kids.  Word spread, classes grew and, in time, more space was needed and there followed an epic journey during many obstacles were overcome until, eventually, Kingsway school was established - with National Education accreditation. Currently it provides education to over 300 children from informal settlements in that area but, amazingly, the story doesn't end there and plans are underway to build a bigger school able to cater for the education needs of over 1000 children.

The school principal beams when she speaks of the resilience the children display in the face of extraordinary hardships and the difference their education is making to families who, otherwise, would not be able to send their children to school. Success stories include a learner who is now studying to become a teacher and another who's gone on train in the field of road traffic management.

A truly moving and incredible story of a school that evolved from one persons concern for children begging and yet how often do we not hear (or say) the words “nothing I do will make any difference”?

If you're as inspired as I am to find ways to support them on their journey, and in continuing to reach their goals, contact us and we'll pass on your email.   If you aren't, perhaps you need a motivational talk!!!  (shameless plug)