I had my first encounter with Hillbrow Theatre in 2011 when I was 15. Sis Gcebile picked me to play the main character in ‘Pink Panther’. That was it, my first performance ever and people loved me and I was like, ok, I can actually do this. It boosted my self-esteem. Not only does art teach you how to perform, it also teaches you how to communicate outside. For me, the Outreach Foundation Hillbrow Theatre is like a family that I never had before. If it wasn’t for Hillbrow Theatre I don’t know what I’d be.

My name is Itumeleng, I am 14 years old. I like coming to Outreach Foundation's Boitumelo, they comfort me and they make me feel welcome and they give me love and joy, every time I’m here, I feel happy. Boitumelo, for me, it 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 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'.

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.

This is an amazing and wonderful place that enlightened me with computer skills. I now know more about computers. Keep up the good work of serving the community of Hillbrow. You guys are so cool.

Wow! I don't have words to describe the Outreach Foundation, except to say they are a gift from God!

You affect so many people by the meaningful work you are doing, so when we wish you luck we are actually wishing many people an improved life. Thank you for working hard and making a difference, and best wishes to you and all those lives you touch.