Edward’s Story

Hi, my name is Edward and this is my story.

I was born in the North West Province. My mother and I moved to Randburg in Johannesburg where she worked as a domestic worker. We stayed there for a year and then moved to the township of Diepsloot. While we stayed in Diepsloot I attended school from Grade 2 to Grade 8. I could not attend school further because my mother was unemployed and we couldn’t afford the school fees.

I met a friend from Primary School who told me that there was a shelter in Pretoria and if I got there I could go to school. This sounded like an opportunity, as I was always bright in class and teachers approved of me especially my behavior and I wanted to be “somebody in life”. I left “home” for the big city! I eventually (luckily) ended up at Child Welfare Tshwane’s, Itumeleng Shelter in Sunnyside.

Peter and John were childcare workers at the time and Peter especially took interest in me after he noticed my eagerness towards school. He taught me life skills and told me that there is a prosperous life out there for me. I was inspired by his message and started to read motivational books. At the end of 2004 I was moved to Bramley Children’s Home. Throughout all my experiences I have learnt that success is achieved and maintained by those who keep on trying. You need to take the first step in life towards something great. I started seeing life differently, interpreting it differently – that is what matters at the end of the day! Looking back to where I came from, I have taught myself that there is success out there and your upbringing or circumstances play no role in what you intend and plan to do today. What the mind can conceive and believe the mind can achieve, you can be whatever you want to be.

I am now in Grade 12 and will be leaving Bramley Children’s Home this year. The children’s home has shaped me for the future and my greatest dream is to return as a very successful man! I have learned that sometimes the things that seem to be disasters turn out to be blessings in disguise – it all depends on how you regard the problems that come your way.

Edward is a unique young man and we are proud of what he has become today, this however was made possible by the support we receive from you! Without your support CWT would not be able to reach our core purpose and that is to protect children and ensure that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Thank you for your contribution throughout 2008 and please keep on supporting us, as we cannot reach our full potential without your kindness.