Diepsloot learner to attend the Olympic opening ceremony
Africa Tikkun youth has flown to Paris to participate in a two-week adventure with other young adults from around the world in an effort to help the less fortunate grow in character and cultural experience.
Naledi Mathekga (16) is in Paris for the Olympics, and to meet other youths participating in an extraordinary programme hosted by Sport Dans La Ville.
The Diepsloot Secondary (No 3) learner has been a beneficiary of learning, love, and support from Africa Tikkun since Grade 8, and has gone from strength to excellence under their care. It is through this programme that she was able to apply to participate in the much-coveted trip.
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The body is a French non-profit that supports and encourages youths from disadvantaged backgrounds around the world to achieve their potential.
Her link with Africa Tikkun gave her the platform to apply, but it was her spirt that secured her a spot on the much sought after trip.
Naledi was selected out of over 500 applicants to Festival 24 to travel to France, where she will attend the opening ceremony for the games, and participate in just under two weeks of workshops, sports events, and cultural activities.
Speaking about her upcoming flight to Europe, she exploded with excitement. “It is going to be wonderful; I am a little scared, but not as frightened as my mother. I cannot wait!”
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She joined Africa Tikkun in Grade 8 with their Ignight Programme which helps learners become motivated to succeed, and discover their hobbies and talents outside of the school curriculum.
One of her facilitators noticed her good reasoning skills and signed her up for the junior research team in the Young Urban Women stream. “We are encouraged to take up space in a male-dominated world, to empower ourselves, and others, and to participate in advocacy platforms and competitions like Olympiads,” they said.
She soon became president of the group and has gone from strength to strength in the role. Her spirit and enthusiasm for the work are difficult to miss as she describes the scope of the programme. Describing the impact of role models, and the friendships she has formed, are clear signs of how far Africa Tikkun goes to growing the next generation of leaders and active citizens.
She is also soaring through the different levels at the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme, of which Africa Tikkun is a participating organisation.
There are four layers, each with its list of accomplishments, that participants need to master before moving up the ladder. From volunteering at non-profits, like animal shelters, to learning new skills and self-reliance tools, youths are put through their paces.
Naledi is chasing the gold level, but she will have to master public speaking to do this.
Asked what her dream impact would be, she said, “I want to make sure that those people who do not have the confidence to speak out in a room find their voice. These are sometimes the people who have the best ideas and solutions, but we never hear them because they feel uncomfortable, or are nervous. This is what I’d like to help with.”
Tshepiso Rampho, a co-ordinator at Africa Tikkun, says that will be easy. “She is a delight, is confident, and kind, so there are no doubts she will excel. Having her go to Paris too will be such an adventure and character-building experience; we are thrilled for her.”
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