NAME Vic Nell
AGE 14 YRS FROM DEC 1992 TO JULY 2000 QUALIFIED IN 90 DAY ASSESSMENT Life Skills & Orientation Basic Administration Chair components, Upholstery, Metal working, C02 welding, Building trailers, Tube bending |
BEFORE: Having been brought up to lie and steal then left to fend for myself with nobody to look after me or guide me and no school to go to, I was taken to the training centre in Germiston by a friend of mine and was introduced to Uncle John.
AFTER: Uncle John took me under his wing so to speak and together I excelled in all the training that was available. I enjoyed making and the manufacturing of all metal and wood components, products and the final finishing. I enjoyed talking to clients about their needs. |
AFTER: Uncle John made sure that I grew up and matured with all the knowledge that my hands could apply, combined with learning administration, book keeping which I hated but understood was necessary and the managing of labor and staff in various fields, Finally on my 19th birthday, Uncle john presented me with my own workshop to do services and repairs to motor vehicles. Here I had to put in all that I had learned and had the time of my life being my own boss.
Then Germiston went into an economic depression and it was time to move along, I took the skills that I had learned and got a few positions in various areas of industry which I enjoyed and bettered my skills and knowledge.
NOW: Happily married with a beautiful daughter who scares me to death? Forman of a very reputable manufacturer in Nelspruit and living my life, taking care of my family.
Then Germiston went into an economic depression and it was time to move along, I took the skills that I had learned and got a few positions in various areas of industry which I enjoyed and bettered my skills and knowledge.
NOW: Happily married with a beautiful daughter who scares me to death? Forman of a very reputable manufacturer in Nelspruit and living my life, taking care of my family.
NAME Francois Buitendag
AGE 15 YRS FROM DEC 1995 TO JULY 2006 QUALIFIED IN 90-180 Day Assessment Life skills & Orientation Basic Administration Mill Management Catering and functions Quality Control & Logistics |
BEFORE: I was Part of a large family and felt left out being the oldest and having to contend with who I really am and what I am going to become and what I am looking for in life. (Fun and enjoyment in what I do) I saw an advert for young boys and girls that would like to learn to sing in a group and perform that is when I meet Uncle CJ at the training Center, still in the old power street building in Germiston. He interviewed me, and I explained that I could sing and play the keyboard quite well with old and new songs and would like a chance to prove myself and be part of a group that wanted to excel.
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AFTER: Young and vibrant and full of jokes I started out, yet some of the boys kept ragging on me because I never shut up and was always pulling their legs, that why I got bullied a lot especially by Gavin for being so soft and full of it.
I had great fun learning the songs and how to perform on stage, took to using a microphone like a duck to water , I was always the first to offer my help to the girls group and found that running between the two exciting, normal lesions grounded me and I could not wait till they were over. The events were great and it was fantastic to see the people enjoy our performances.
The centre move to The Benny Goldberg’s Building in Kew and I followed, as the wood and metal work skills came on line I requested to do milling and actually went to Vryheid in natal to a farm to complete the course with Uncle Dannie.
NOW: I have a great job at Johannesburg International Airport as customer relations and guide so I get to meet a lot of people from all over the world and am having the time of my life.
I had great fun learning the songs and how to perform on stage, took to using a microphone like a duck to water , I was always the first to offer my help to the girls group and found that running between the two exciting, normal lesions grounded me and I could not wait till they were over. The events were great and it was fantastic to see the people enjoy our performances.
The centre move to The Benny Goldberg’s Building in Kew and I followed, as the wood and metal work skills came on line I requested to do milling and actually went to Vryheid in natal to a farm to complete the course with Uncle Dannie.
NOW: I have a great job at Johannesburg International Airport as customer relations and guide so I get to meet a lot of people from all over the world and am having the time of my life.
NAME Wesley
AGE 17 YRS FROM DEC 1998 TO JULY 2000 QUALIFIED IN 90 – 120 Day assessment Life Skills & Orientation Operator’s courses Repairs & Maintenance Foremen Milling & converting |
BEFORE: Left school played around with the girls could not get work anywhere, and got into trouble. My uncle was aware of the training centre and brought me to the school in the Benny Goldberg’s centre.
It was great fun spending the day seeing how everything worked and ran, but what impressed me the most was that it was hard work but everybody pitched in and had smiles on their faces. And the teachers were friendly but strict when it came to doing everything the right way. (Safety First) |
AFTER: I have always enjoyed motor mechanics and working with my hands, but after I stripped every part of the big timber milling machines and rebuilt them with Uncle John and Gavin, knocking my thumb with a five pound hammer.
I learned and respected these machines and grew to understand why people love what they have achieved.
As time went on I mastered them and became proficient with all the repairs and maintenance, I could hear by sound when a machine started running into a problem or the team or operator were not achieving the desired effect or productivity, Then came the big move to Midrand because of the armed robbery at the training centre .
I learnt how to move and relocate every machine and got the chance to study foremen’s certification and eventually ran the entire air- yard, I achieved beyond my wildest dreams and enjoyed every moment.
NOW: My Uncle wanted to pack up and go to Australia as he was given a transfer by Cumming’s, and I would have no family left here, So I left, but was sad as I wanted to stay on to complete my national diploma and become a care giver and teacher at the training centre, because I now knew what the final outcome of rehabilitation and work skills were.
I learned and respected these machines and grew to understand why people love what they have achieved.
As time went on I mastered them and became proficient with all the repairs and maintenance, I could hear by sound when a machine started running into a problem or the team or operator were not achieving the desired effect or productivity, Then came the big move to Midrand because of the armed robbery at the training centre .
I learnt how to move and relocate every machine and got the chance to study foremen’s certification and eventually ran the entire air- yard, I achieved beyond my wildest dreams and enjoyed every moment.
NOW: My Uncle wanted to pack up and go to Australia as he was given a transfer by Cumming’s, and I would have no family left here, So I left, but was sad as I wanted to stay on to complete my national diploma and become a care giver and teacher at the training centre, because I now knew what the final outcome of rehabilitation and work skills were.
NAME Warren Provast
AGE 15 YRS FROM NOV 2007 TO JULY 2009 QUALIFIED IN 90 – 120 DAY Assessments Life Skills & Orientation Resaw assistant Basic cooking |
BEFORE: I came from a very broken back ground was street wise but very foolish and would get myself into all sorts of trouble trying to be the main man but really when I look back I was the clown. My mother loved me dearly but could not help or assist in changing my manners or behavior and was finally homeless and despondent, somehow she found out about the training centre and pleaded with uncle john to give me a chance, unbeknown to me at the time he was unable to get me a bursary, but got the chance and I took it with both hands so as to speak, it was my first step.
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AFTER: once again I started with my clown act and got into a lot of trouble pulling other learners in with me but we also learnt the lesson well when the accountability and responsibility for your actions came around and under discussion, I tried running away and still got caught, then I did a real number JUMPED INTO THE FIRE and got both my legs burnt badly playing the stupid with young J.P., this was to be my last hard lesson uncle C.J. came to my aid with sticky stuff and gauges and bandages making me look like a mummy and changing them every six hours with special bathing in between this I thought was the worst and ran away again, What can I say I do things in threes and still don’t learn. Once again my mother convinced uncle john to take me back and found out that it was he who was paying for my fees out of his pocket.
This was my third time back, I started to put in the time and effort, my marks went up and I started to get friends and respect for my work and training on the Resaw, which I had now mastered. Then I lost it all by making the wrong decision which I regret now, and for the rest of my life.
NOW: Lost contact waiting update.
This was my third time back, I started to put in the time and effort, my marks went up and I started to get friends and respect for my work and training on the Resaw, which I had now mastered. Then I lost it all by making the wrong decision which I regret now, and for the rest of my life.
NOW: Lost contact waiting update.
NAME Louis Molefe
AGE 17 YRS FROM AUG 2007 TO FEB 2009 Qualified in 90 – 120 Day Assessments Life Skills & Orientation Chain saw operator Resaw assistant Double logger assistant |
BEFORE: I had finished my Matric at Norman house for boys and was now over the age limit allowed, with no parents or friends to support me. I had no back ground and was looking to make the next step in my life count. I was advised by my social worker of the Youth Training Centre in Midrand, I went thru with her for the day and was impressed by what I saw, and decided to take the step, she applied to social welfare for my transfer, it took forever but finally it was accepted, and I was on my way to a totally different learning curve and environment.
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AFTER: I was a slow learner and lacked motivation combined with lack of physical fitness, but they never gave up with me, got into arguments and learned the better of them, learned to cook, clean sew and make my bed, we won’t discuss the washing, I joined in swimming, touch rugby, swing ball and finally was strong enough to take on moving logs in the air yard, then things started to come together, I took on additional courses chain saw and sharpening, ran the Resaw and full team on Double logger.
NOW: Senior Machine crew Forman at Bronklespruit sawmills.
NOW: Senior Machine crew Forman at Bronklespruit sawmills.
NAME Freddy
AGE 17 YRS FROM Sept 2008 TO Jan 2009 Qualified in 90 – 120 Day Assessments Life Skills & Orientation Double logger assistant |
BEFORE: I was brought up on the wrong side of the tracks and our family was what you would call poor whites with not much good luck in life, drinking, swearing and tattoos were the order of the day.
I got into trouble too many times, my schooling was nonexistent from time to time and I thought there must be more to life than this, sitting at home complaining. I was eager for any opportunity. |
AFTER: I was a quick learner and good with my hands, enjoyed motivating other learners in my team and challenging them to physical fitness, learned to cook, clean sew and make my bed, I was very active in swimming, touch rugby, swing ball, arm wrestling and finally was strong enough to take on moving logs in the air yard, then things started to come together, I took on a additional course of sharpening, and ran the full team on Double logger, but could never quite compete with uncle John . Every time I thought I knew it all, he would just smile and teach me another technique, what a great machine and a good team I had hey,: Matt , Kyle, Brighton.
NOW: Senior Machine crew Forman at Witbank sawmills.
NOW: Senior Machine crew Forman at Witbank sawmills.
NAME Steven Milford
AGE 16 YRS FROM Dec 2007 TO Feb 2009 QUALIFIED IN 90-120 Day assessment Life Skills & Orientation Forestry Harvesting Chain sawing Double Logger LT15 breakdown saw |
BEFORE: I could not finish my Matric at Social welfare Luckhoff School for boys and was now over the age limit allowed, with no parents or friends to support me. I had no back ground and was looking to make the next step in my life count. I was advised by my social worker of the Youth Training Centre in Midrand, They came thru for the day and I was impressed by what I heard, and decided to take the step, she applied to social welfare Heidelberg court for my transfer, it took two months but finally it was granted for the end of years term, I was on my way to a totally different learning curve and environment.
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AFTER: I kept quiet and unapproachable while I checked out the other boys and what was going on; when I knew what I wanted I stepped forward had a few fights and won control (cause and effect). Then informed the teachers what I wanted to do, this did not go down well and I had to go thru their requirements first, I retaliated and prompted the other boys to get up to mischief and stood back and watched them getting caught.
The entire training centre turned its back on me and I suffered invisibility from all and got the worst chores to do till the end of 2008, then I moved dormitory and got bullied by my pears into conforming to the community system, they won.
My outlook changed and I began to tow the line and secured some respect, and got on with the training session and learned what I needed, but took short cuts and ducked and dived whenever I could.
NOW: I did my own thing again and learned a very hard lesson, waiting for another chance in life maybe I do better.
The entire training centre turned its back on me and I suffered invisibility from all and got the worst chores to do till the end of 2008, then I moved dormitory and got bullied by my pears into conforming to the community system, they won.
My outlook changed and I began to tow the line and secured some respect, and got on with the training session and learned what I needed, but took short cuts and ducked and dived whenever I could.
NOW: I did my own thing again and learned a very hard lesson, waiting for another chance in life maybe I do better.
Francois Venter
AGE 21 YRS FROM MAR 2008 TO JULY 2010 Qualified in 90 – 180 Day Assessments Life Skills & Orientation Metric Equivalent Chain saw & Harvesting Break down saws I.T. and design of training systems and admin |
BEFORE: After some major incidents and bad behavior I left my adopted family in Kentucky and came to South Africa to find myself and my biological mother. I did not fare well and found myself mugged, out of funds and on the streets with no place to go and no expectations, luckily an uncle found me and took me to the training centre. I was skeptical at first and had many a run in with the teachers till I landed with a full face confrontation with Uncle John in the pool area. I was amazed at how he stood his ground and clamed me down using rationality and assisted me back on track, with determination.
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AFTER: Thru the programs and pear support, learned to love wood and its capabilities, enjoyed the machines, worked out new cutting patterns, mastered the processes, and gained respect, to the point that I was allowed to train younger learners, assist with extra murals and became dormitory head of the chief’s dormitory.
Using the tools uncle John gave me I came off my medication and learned how to control my anger an anticipate my reactions to various issues presented to me, I stated my judo training again with a passion of understanding.
I then matured, got confidence, finished online my metric from my old school in Kentucky and started to represent the training centre, and take an active part in the updating of the quality management system used by the training centre to assist all children with a view to becoming the head boy in due course when the opportunity presented itself.
NOW: Mature, motivated, self confident I have started my own I.T. AND DESIGN COMPANY in Kentucky, Virginia, USA.
Using the tools uncle John gave me I came off my medication and learned how to control my anger an anticipate my reactions to various issues presented to me, I stated my judo training again with a passion of understanding.
I then matured, got confidence, finished online my metric from my old school in Kentucky and started to represent the training centre, and take an active part in the updating of the quality management system used by the training centre to assist all children with a view to becoming the head boy in due course when the opportunity presented itself.
NOW: Mature, motivated, self confident I have started my own I.T. AND DESIGN COMPANY in Kentucky, Virginia, USA.
NAME Kelvin Moodley
AGE 17 Yrs From Feb 2009 To July 2009 Qualified In 90 Day Assessment Life Skills & Orientation Basic Stores Control |
BEFORE: I was on drugs breaking down my auntie’s house, running away all the time with the gangs, working part time at shows getting drunk and generally f’up whatever I was doing. My grandmother had given up and went to church there she was told about a place in Midrand that could assist.
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AFTER: I was muscled into the program with the help of the women that cared for me, rehabilitation is not fun, and games and I thought I would never make it. But uncle john and Uncle Dirk never let up on me and after a very rough batch of sessions; I finally got into the normal side of the training and found that I actually enjoyed it.
NOW: I am a representative on sales and marketing on the east rand, using my charm.
NOW: I am a representative on sales and marketing on the east rand, using my charm.
NAME Matt
AGE 20 YRS FROM Oct 2008 TO Jan 2009 Qualified in 90 – 120 Day Assessments Life Skills & Orientation Logging skills Stores skills |
BEFORE: I left school at an early age, as I was ridiculed for being slow witted and not very intelligent and could not see further than my nose. My friends would always play pranks on me and bully me or make me the bearer of any joke, this got me into trouble too many times, my schooling level was below standard, and I was accused of not having the ability to learn or comprehend anything. This lead to depression and an inferior complex, where I was beginning to think that they were right, and started losing my temper at everybody, especially my mother. I was forced to do part time work like a builder’s boy.
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AFTER: It took me a long time to settle down at the training centre as all the boys were pushing to get the opportunity to do what they were good at and I had no idea what I wanted to do and was confronted with a dilemma, this was my nightmare, Uncle John, found me crying in the dormitory one day and asked what the problem was and I explained my predicament which made me feel apart from the rest of the boys. He said let’s give you a priority list, first glasses so you can see, 2nd physical fitness 3rd team work and aptitude, he placed me in Freddy’s team with instructions, I quickly got to grips with what was expected, new glasses and put in the effort to be a team player, all of a sudden I had friends and me and Freddy became great pals. I built muscles and strength to fit my frame and pride kicked in as I was always asked to tackle the heavy logs for stacking, and grading with Louis and Freddy. I became our team’s mascot, when they played against other teams, By the end of the period I knew what I wanted, I was inspired and requested (ABET) to improve my reading, writing and spelling, Then I could do national certification in forestry harvesting.
This never came to pass as my mother forced me to leave the centre, before my 21st birthday on the basis that I had to earn a salary to support her.
NOW: I hope one day to be in control and return to the centre.
This never came to pass as my mother forced me to leave the centre, before my 21st birthday on the basis that I had to earn a salary to support her.
NOW: I hope one day to be in control and return to the centre.
KYLE VAN ASWEGAN
AGE 16 YRS FROM JAN 2008 TO JULY 2010 QUALIFIED IN 90 DAY ASSESSMENT LIFE SKILLS & ORIENTATION VALUE CITIZENS |
BEFORE: I arrived at the training center with the attitude of a Rosettenville Street wise kid and was determined not to comply with any unthinkable duties or requests; I was put in the cub’s dormitory. “Nothing moves at night”.
I got myself involved with the wrong boys for the wrong reasons and got in to trouble and landed up in jail with a court case. I then attended the value citizen’s course and this woke me up as to what I could achieve and what my future prospects could be if I just put in the time and effort. |
AFTER: It was then that I realized how Uncle John the principle had stood by me guided me thru all my bad behavior, supported me at court and took personal involvement in me and my value citizens course and arranged for me to be cleared, I then put my head down and worked with him, got promoted to head boy of the warriors dormitory and was busy studying for my national certification on re-sawing, the machine I had earned and learned to respect. My photo above is a reflection of a total turn around in both my physical appearance and attitude towards life and those I love.
I later found out how uncle john had liaised with my parents convincing them to take their part and utilize the time to the advantage of all concerned, they saved funds bought a new house in a respectable area and I had my own room. Yet I still told my mom after visits, Please take me back to my home at the training center.
NOW: Studying further as a boiler maker
I later found out how uncle john had liaised with my parents convincing them to take their part and utilize the time to the advantage of all concerned, they saved funds bought a new house in a respectable area and I had my own room. Yet I still told my mom after visits, Please take me back to my home at the training center.
NOW: Studying further as a boiler maker
NAME DIVAN VENTER
AGE 19 YRS FROM SEP 2008 TO AUG 2009 QUALIFIED IN 90 Day Assessment Life skills & Orientation Basic cooking skills Catering functions Lt 15 breakdown saw |
BEFORE: I came to the Training Centre, as a troubled 19 Yr old, with the normal parental arguments and misguidance’s, In that I could do no right or think for myself or decide on my future, yet all I wanted in my life was not what my parents wanted. But I was a bright young boy and wanted to show my family that I can and am going to reach my goals in life and reach for my dreams. I just needed some space and the opportunity to learn more and mature before setting myself on the right road. The people around you and that you look up to must be motivated and strong in principle.
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AFTER: I started slowly up the ladder of success, by learning as much as I could and with time afforded to me. Yes I sulked and huffed and puffed but got thru all what was thrown at me. I walked out of the Training Centre a much better person. I was also good behind the chef’s apron, the kitchen was my canvas and the ingredients my paint. I also assisted with various outside functions and in-house caterings and gatherings for the Centre. I was taught well and showed a keen interest in the Hospitality Industry. Then I was forced leave the centre, I was bitter because I wanted to continue with the next section of the training provided but once again the family interfered. I was told to obtain a security job and work and help with the monthly family commitments. At last I went to Petroleum Company and got the chance of a life time to learn about the foresaid industries. I did not stay very long and the family interfered again. So I was out of work. Also the last time the Center heard from me.
NOW: Two years later, I bumped into Uncle CJ venturing though business, In Primrose on the sales and marketing side of the Centre, Trying to raise money for funding and donations for other children like me. I am now currently busy with my own business venture starting a Pizza Pasta and Cocktail bar. This was one of my dreams to own my own business one day.
NOW: Two years later, I bumped into Uncle CJ venturing though business, In Primrose on the sales and marketing side of the Centre, Trying to raise money for funding and donations for other children like me. I am now currently busy with my own business venture starting a Pizza Pasta and Cocktail bar. This was one of my dreams to own my own business one day.
NAME Brighton
AGE 19 YRS FROM AUG 2008 TO FEB 2010 QUALIFIED IN 90 – 180 Day assessment Life Skills & Orientation Off cutting, grading Cross cutting, packing Table saw, rebating |
BEFORE: I finished matric and spent months trying to get a job to no avail, I landed up running around for interviews and found that with no experience nobody wanted to hire me, yet the employers did not want to train me either.
So I was stuck unmotivated and depressed about my future then I saw this sign from the taxi window offering skills and training, jumped out and found the entrance, filled in the application form and found out that it would cost me nothing but my time and energy. |
AFTER: My idea of a training Centre fell away over the first week when I realized that this was more like a big family pulling together to learn and qualify to get ahead in life, yes there were problems with some of the boys (rehabilitation from drinking, drugs or smoking) they were reluctant and cheeky and undisciplined did not like all the teaching sessions especially the Math’s, English, life orientation, cooking, health & hygiene, but the uncle’s and house mothers got them right.
The skills I learned outdoors and in the workshops were always interesting and full of possibilities for the future and I fell to learning all that I could and enjoyed every moment.
NOW: I am working for a shop fitting company with views to open my own business one day.
The skills I learned outdoors and in the workshops were always interesting and full of possibilities for the future and I fell to learning all that I could and enjoyed every moment.
NOW: I am working for a shop fitting company with views to open my own business one day.
Photo not available or with held
to protect the learner |
NAME Jacque De Wet
AGE 19 YRS FROM OCT 2009 TO JUN 2010 QUALIFIED IN 90 Day Assessment Life skills & Orientation Basic Frame Assembly |
BEFORE: As a young boy while growing up, I was thrown from pillar to post by life, Not having a real family life, With parents that’s was disinterested in me, so with no assistance and nobody to care about me, I retaliated in the wrong way and stole to get what I wanted. Because of this I was put in Tara for being bI-polar, and kept medicated to keep me calm, Bi-polar a new age disease if nobody wants you. I had a few distinctive run in’s and problems with my step parents in Durban. They brought me to the Training Centre on Youth Day to see what it was like.
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AFTER: My step Parents gave me no choice and placed me out of their hair, at the age 19 broken down and in total mess. This took a long while to try to rectify if you do not know where to start, In the beginning I was made to start basic counseling. Due to my shyness, uncertainty and uncooperative manner the days started with great difficulty. But just as this was a new beginning for me this was also a learning curve to learn to have patience and endearments , and then to pick up those broken pieces and to mend my mind that with the glue of life. I retaliated against everything and demanded to go home constantly. I did not want to be here and would find a way out.
NOW: Under False allegations made by Jacque, he was removed and we hope he found peace and help somewhere before he could do any more damage.
NOW: Under False allegations made by Jacque, he was removed and we hope he found peace and help somewhere before he could do any more damage.
NAME Owen ?
AGE 13 YRS FROM OCT 2007 TO NOV 2009 QUALIFIED IN 90 DAY ASSESSMENT ABET grade 8 & 9 Life skills & Orientation |
BEFORE: I was offered a lift to Johannesburg to find my family they took the money and dropped me in a field in blue hills, Uncle CJ found me off the street one winters evening on my way back from collecting food donations (spar). I was cold; half dressed and had not eaten in the last three days. I watched Uncle CJ talking and giving lessons to the children on chain sawing and harvesting in the middle of the field with pine trees all around I meet one of the teachers peter and noticed how all the children were treated and worked together to achieve their team results, this was interesting.
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AFTER: I explained to Uncle CJ my story and he arranged for me to go to the centre where I had a warm bath, clean clothing, and hot food. I was placed with one of the care givers and the house mother took me to a dormitory were I got supplied with a warm bed. With further investigation they found out that i was about 13 yrs of age and had no parents.
Uncle John had great difficulty trying to find my family and making it worse was the language barrier. I decided to stay on and started training in basic ABET that help me communicate, I was a fast learner for my age. I requested to do a little more spelling and mathematics, and so started my young career as a runner and assistant in the timber yard cleaning up, filling saw dust bags and collecting tools from from the store. That helped me to fit in with the rest of the learners and allowed my numerics and the understanding of the English language to improve.
NOW: We found a relative of his in Zimbabwe where he is currently staying and finishing his schooling.
Uncle John had great difficulty trying to find my family and making it worse was the language barrier. I decided to stay on and started training in basic ABET that help me communicate, I was a fast learner for my age. I requested to do a little more spelling and mathematics, and so started my young career as a runner and assistant in the timber yard cleaning up, filling saw dust bags and collecting tools from from the store. That helped me to fit in with the rest of the learners and allowed my numerics and the understanding of the English language to improve.
NOW: We found a relative of his in Zimbabwe where he is currently staying and finishing his schooling.