Female grad’s journey evidence of Alex’s potential
ALEXANDRA – Alex's human resource potential needs positive exposure.
A beneficiary of the Alexandra Education Committee lauded the organisation for changing her and her family’s life circumstances.
Joy Mhlongo, who is from an extended family of nine on 16th Avenue, Alexandra is a Unisa accounting graduate through support from the non-profit organisation. “It noticed my passion and commitment to education while at Gordon Primary School in 1999 and placed me at Summit College, Dainfern from Grade 7 and through secondary education which cemented my path to life-changing endeavours which now enable me to support a niece through school,” Mhlongo said adding that she will succeed and help her to ease the ever-increasing family members’ hardships.
“I am the first graduate in the family and want others to follow suit,” said Mhlongo, now a coordinator of committee’s alumni since 2015.
“It’s important to keep the alumni family intact, share our appreciation by ploughing back and be exemplary change-makers to our successors and the country.”
This said in reference to fellow alumni who, in various professions, are contributing to the nation’s transformation trajectory while improving themselves and their families’ welfare. As a sister buddy, she also stabilises other girls emotionally through counselling conducted with the centre’s home visitor. “This improves their self-belief and sustain the urge to be their own change-makers and in turn of their families.”
Mhlongo said she will forever remain indebted to the committee. “All I knew before, were schools in Alex only to see the vast difference when I was enrolled at the college.
“New peers, vastly different school culture and racial mix introduced me to a different reality which kept me focused from 7.30am to 5 pm leaving no time for gallivanting around.”
A different mindset evolved in her and was the dose, foundation and early intervention for her changing fortunes and a new personality. “The teachers exposed me to a different perspective to life, were frank, genuinely cared, provide individualised care that made me feel I belonged and gave me a deep desire to succeed in a class ratio of 15 learners to one teacher per class.”
The centre’s additional support of school food provisions, reliable transport, food parcels, access to grants and shelter for her and the family throughout her changing journey also eased her adjustment.
Her tertiary qualification has earned stints in Standard Bank and conglomerate, Anglo American as well as a professional enhancement programme for women in the business sector.
She urged all girls facing hardships not to wait for change, but to make it happen in the areas of their choice. “Be determined, focus, know what you want and the end goal.
“Perseverance and an upright mindset will make you stand out in the crowd.”
Sydney Seolonyane, the committee’s career counsellor, said many achievers have been churned out by the committee and other agencies. “They should be profiled collectively as Alex’s own contribution to the nation’s human resource reserve for the future including in leadership positions through the skills they acquire while going through the programme.”
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