She is desperate to get out into the working world and create a better future for her children and those she will assist through her work.
The GCN chatted to Sebongile Tshabalala (32), last Tuesday, at the Germiston Child Welfare offices in Germiston South, where she works as a volunteer.
The single mom of three children, Siyabonga (13), Jabu (11) and Naledi (3), lives in Palm Ridge Extension Six and studied as a social auxiliary worker through the Khanya Family Centre, in the Ramokonopi section of Katlehong.
She completed the course in July, last year, but has been unable to collect her certificate due to outstanding fees of R15 600.
A tearful Sebongile said: “My mother, Mavis, promised to pay for my tuition.
“She was a domestic worker and was saving up the money.
“But then she got sick and passed away in June, last year, shortly before I finished the course.
“We had to use all the money she had saved to pay for her funeral.”
Sebongile said she knows she will find a job as a social auxiliary worker if she has her certificate.
“I can’t go on job interviews as I have no proof that I am qualified,” she explained.
Asked why she chose this particular profession, Sebongile said: “Children are very close to my heart.
“I became a volunteer at Germiston Child Welfare under the Asibavikele programme, in 2008.
“The programme involves door-to-door campaigns in the community where we identify vulnerable children and children at risk.
“We also educate people and teach them how to link to various organisations that can assist them.
“I want to help children in my community and make sure they grow up in a safe environment.”
If Sebongile gets a position as a social auxiliary worker, she said, her life will change drastically for the better.
“I want to create a better life for myself and my children and I know that if I work I can raise my children well, with good support,” she said.
If you want to help Sebongile to realise her dream and receive her certificate contact her on 076 411 8042.
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