Making a difference in the community

Mtsweni says though she has always had a love for children, she did not see herself taking up anything related to children as her profession.

That is why she had first opted to further her studies in law.

“I then started seeing a lot of young children on the streets in the evenings still wearing their school uniforms while carrying their school bags and some of them even approaching me to ask me for something to eat.

“And when I would ask them why they were not home, they would tell me their parents were at work. Other would say they had run away from home because the people whom their parents trusted to look after them were not taking care of them.

“In my research I found that some of these children were also being beaten up or their after-school caregivers refused to give them food, hence they were roaming the streets, so I decided it was time for me to do something,” she says.

Mtsweni saw a gap and took the chance, registering the Ikusasa Lethu Learning Centre and Aftercare Services with the Department of Education.

The centre is situated in KwaThema, Thlwaela Street, and Mtsweni says its main focus is to keep such children safe until their parents return from work.

“My plan for these children is for them to get to interact with other young people of the same age as them in an environment where they will get to discuss their schoolwork and help each other with their homework.

“I am also available to help them with what they failed to understand in class, as I believe it will be easier for them to discuss what they struggle with, with me rather than with their teachers.

“My plan is to further expand the aftercare and make it into a learning centre where the children can learn additional life skills, such as computer, communication and leadership skills,” she says.

This 25-year-old says in the long run her dream is to see herself draw parents to the importance of their children’s education.

“I believe it is important to let the people of Kwatsaduza know about this centre because not only will this bring safety for their children, but it will also provide comfort to parents that their young ones are taken care of. It will encourage other young people like myself that an individual’s potential cannot only be visible in an office or firm,” she says.

Mtsweni believes unemployment is not a ticket to drugs or alcohol but that there are greater things that still need to be achieved.

She adds that she is hoping to register as many young people who need her services as she can, and is looking forward to opening her doors when the second school term starts.

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