Norec participant Josephine Namayi reflections from month two at Inkululeko
By: Josephine Namayi
For all intents and purposes, I agree with the words of King Solomon of the Bible that “Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof”. Three months flew by so quickly and there is no doubt in my mind that they have been the most productive three months of my life.
Prior to my exchange, I had very limited knowledge on the role of the sustainable development goals in improving the human condition. Being part of Inkululeko placed me in a position to experience a great number of the goals come alive in transforming livelihoods in Makhanda. They included no poverty, good health and well being, quality education, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities and lastly, partnership for the goals which was the focal point of my exchange. Had it not been for the commitment both DAY-AFRICA and Inkululeko have towards elevating their communities and their biasness to action then traveling abroad would have just been a beautiful dream.
The fact that NGOs and NPOs in Makhanda have come together for the good of the people is not something that can be overlooked. I have learned that people are the greatest resource to push and drive change. It is more effective when the necessity to alleviate the current status quo comes from within than when it is influenced by an external source. Inkululeko understood this. Through these interactions with other organizations and institutions such as Rhodes University Community Engagement, Michigan University, Syracuse University, Assumption Development Centre, Awarenet among others, I have proven the words of Henry Ford that, “If everyone is moving forward together, success takes care of itself”.
The strength and stability that lies in the links they have with one another has enabled youth empowerment to thrive in Makhanda. They have come together to create safe spaces for their youth and sensitize them on the presences of such spaces by going as far as sticking posters inside taxis with contact information so that they become easily accessible. It’s humbling to know that someone cares about empowering the youth of today to secure not only the future but the present as well.
Another event that left a footprint in my heart was the joint career day session we had with the matric students who would soon complete their high school education. It was clear to me that the societies they live in and the home environment have a very big effect on the career paths they chose for themselves. From my analysis, 3 out of every 5 learners wanted to become a psychologist. They too had a longing to improve the mental state of their families and friends. Touching on the psychosocial aspects of their lives, we were encouraged to also look out for any signs of mental discomfort in the learners. Inside the classrooms, learners created friendships and bonds. There are countless moments when I would be tutoring a learner where they would suddenly divert and start talking about life issues and seek advice.
After the sessions, you would see them happily sing and shoot tik tok dance videos together which enabled them to connect and bond together on another level quickly forgetting life's sorrows and pains. It was comforting to know that inside the Inkululeko classroom, they could freely be whatever and whoever they wanted to be, that they could experience life without load shedding, that they could get their assignments and projects printed without having to worry about printing costs, that they could share a snack with their friends and classmates with merry hearts.
Ultimately, this exchange has levelled up my passion to use what I already have to better my community. It was a moment of introspection. Time for me to sit and analyse my community, Kibra, from another point of view. I have come out of this exchange with deeper understanding on the pivotal role of education and empowerment in transforming societies. I have been challenged, inspired, empowered, broken and built up. The mantle to equip fellow youths back home with what I have learnt now lies heavily on my shoulders. My heart has been touched by the truth that if I do not act then nothing will change. I will be the change I seek. It starts with me.
This exchange has heightened my understanding on the essence of reducing inequalities that are present in informal settlements and townships. I had read about apartheid in my history books back in Kenya but I did not think its effects were far and reaching even in this day and age. In a bid to reduce these inequalities, Inkululeko has gone ahead to promote decent work and economic growth by training high school learners on a business skills course. One experience that stood out for me was when we got a chance to attend a business talk with the learners.
The organization got students from Michigan University who had been successful in running their own business to speak to learners and show them it is possible. It does not matter if you are young and feel inexperienced, but if you have the will then you would surely push yourself beyond your limits. A lot of hands from learners shot up after these presentations as they got first hand experience from a young person like them who was actually getting things done. Inkululeko accepts learners into their program despite their socioeconomic backgrounds or sexual orientation.
