I am an ‘old school’ type. During my school years, the most commonly used item for arithmetic was a bunch of sticks used for calculations. We have come a long way and the computer presents a challenge sometimes in telling it what to do. I am grateful to the young men at the Computer Centre who are always welcoming and at hand to assist with which button to press or where to click on the mouse. Through this, I have managed to get a publishing deal for my first book called 'A Tale of the Builder'.

My name is Itumeleng, I am 14 years old. I like coming to Outreach Foundation, they comfort me and they make me feel welcome and they give me love and joy, every time I’m here, I feel happy. Outreach, for me, is helping me to face my fears and to say, ‘Yes I’m proud of me, I’m proud of what I can do.

I was 14 or 15 years old when I came to the Outreach Foundation Music Centre. I was passing by, walking down the road, and I heard the orchestra playing and it just blew my mind. I was like, ‘Wow, this is what I want to do.’ I just really loved it. I’m a really quiet person and music got me to talk and gave me a chance to come and join this family. It’s made me feel like this is my home.

I just recalled when I was still new at a project; and somebody asked me why ke batla ho roka ke le monyane so... And you answered by saying "it's a skill you learn and nobody is going to take it away from you”. Then you also said "who knows maybe Lesego one day will want to open her own business". I have a business I recently started where I do cushions, bags, toilet bags to mention a few and it's doing quiet well. I always remember those words "maybe Lesego will start her own business" I guess those words planted a seed. And I'm forever grateful for being part of the sewing project because its the only "formal" education I have that taught me how to use a machine & how to embroider.