“Gaby has indicated that she would like help with maths – fractions in particular and Afrikaans. She reads beautifully and when I asked to have a look at her school books, her marks are above average and her handwriting absolutely beautiful. In my opinion she is a very bright little girl with a lot of potential. As we are in the early stages of our relationship we spend quite a bit of time getting to know one another by telling each other what happened during the day and the past week. Gaby has also read to me in English and Afrikaans. We also did a whole exercise from her Afrikaans book which included writing out sentences. She did very well at this. We have also played ‘I spied with my little eyes’ and played with her friends outside, whilst waiting for her mom to arrive. [My moment of the month as mentor] is Gaby’s eagerness and enthusiasm to learn.”

Alexa mentor to Gabi

“We are really getting on well! The highlight was when I took her to Spur and we enjoyed a meal together and then she played with other kids on the trampoline, she really enjoyed herself and didn’t want to leave ;-). I have visited her when her friend and/or her brother have also been at the school and she has been happy to share my attention and her goodies that we use to colour-in or play together with. She really is a lovely child!

Adilia Mentor to Memory

“I think we’re developing a good relationship over time. She trusts now that I’ll be there. I’ve kept the sessions quite casual, mostly just seeing what comes up for us to do. We’ve been to the library, art gallery and walked a bit, played scrabble or just talked, I guided her with a bit of writing. We were both pleased to see each other when she came back from her last holiday.”

Nina mentor to Snamile

Brandon has reminded me of my youth and the many obstacles young boys face today, long after I had grown up and forgotten those problems only to replace them with grown up issues. Being a part of the program has reminded me that there are young kids out there who are the future leaders, engineers, doctors, fire fighters & police men & women, and being a mentor means YOU get a chance to positively guide & influence the minds of the next generation as oppose to letting the best opportunity we have at turning our country & quality of life around slip away.

Lushen mentor to Brandon

“I feel really privileged to be able to share in the life of my little Mentee. She makes my heart warm and my soul sing and reminds me of how it’s our primary duty as adults to take care of and protect our youth. We must prepare them for what life may send their way and give them the tools to cope and make decisions. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!”

Adilia Teixeira Joubert mentor to Melody

“Coming in to this program, I had no idea of what to expect and I must admit that at the beginning, the thought of having a young person look at you for guidance was very daunting especially when I take a moment to consider the many mistakes I myself had made along my life journey. Brandon definitely changed that uncertainty in me into something completely different simply by showing me how innocent and vulnerable many of these kids are. He has grown from a shy almost withdrawn young boy into a more open, confident young man who definitely smiles much more than he used to. The cure to cancer is out there, but what if its locked in the mind of a young child in need of care, guidance and education. That is the way we need to approach this program, to ensure we keep searching for the very best in each of these kids so that we can help them achieve the best they can be.”

Lushen mentor to Brandon