As our convoy approached Zonkizizwe Primary School, we were welcomed by the sound of children’s voices, the sight of their bright smiles and an excitement that can only come from YOUNG, ENERGETIC and BOUNCY children! While in the car, the children’s sounds were muffled BUT, the moment we opened the car doors….it was like pure delight was circling in the air! Its kinda how I imagined the Coke inside a can feels like when the can is flicked open…or how it feels in that slow release as the top is twisted off the bottle? It simply was, ‘open happiness’.
When we actually stepped out of the car, each of us was escorted by two young pupils towards what sounded like party -beating drums, dancing feet and animated cheers. With a tiny hand to my left and to my right, I was led by two pupils, along with the other enke team members and the Nedbank representatives to where Lapdesk was helping improve primary school education for South Africa’s future leaders. I expected that the parents and teachers would be excited for the children when we arrived but I was overwhelmed by how the kids themselves were enthusiastic! Many were quite visibly struggling to contain themselves as they looked at the 350 Nedbank sponsored Lapdesks that were strategically placed around them in the courtyard. Along with the, “Nedbank, makes things happen” cheers, the children also cheered, ‘this desk is MINE! I will use it every day’. It was important that the kids feel a sense of ownership over their Lapdesk’s, not only as their property but as a means to further their education and solidify their future.
It was amazing to see not only the palpable enjoyment of the Lapdesk MC, Sam, as he managed the crowd of hundreds of excited children but also the joy that this whole event brought to everyone present. It’s not often that one gets to witness the life of a child change for the better, their future or even their sense of worth enriched in an instant. Both the Lapdesk Company and Nedbank undoubtedly made their mark on the children of Zonkizizwe Primary school, the teachers, parents and the community of Alberton. We as the enke team reflected on our own fortune and were inspired to remain resilient and passionate about equipping the future leaders of South Africa.
Life is Hard
I’m pretty sure we’ve all said this at least once…….. “Life is Hard!”
I don’t know how to break this to you but…..life IS hard. I wish I could tell you that it’s not hard or that it will definitely get easier BUT …I’d be lying. In fact, when life feels like its drop kicking you, elbow slamming you and dragging you across the mud and you think to yourself, “Things cannot possibly get worse!” just then…in that moment of self-assurance that, this is as bad as it gets….BOOM !! it’ll get worse. If it hasn’t happened already….your day will come.
Now I’m not tryna bring you down (maybe just slap you with reality). Things can be such a downer, especially things you believe you have no control over…natural disasters, manmade disasters….Sorry WFP, I don’t have money to send you! What I want you to keep in mind thought is this, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way!” There’s always light at the end of the tunnel, a hole you can use to punch your way out or a place to go.
People set themselves up for a rough time by expecting that things will always be hunky dory! Maybe I come across as pessimistic but when things are good…. I’m concerned! I get shifty eyed coz it’s inevitable that things will ‘DECAY’ (pc language). But, I’m not too freaked out coz where there’s a will…there’s a WAY! William is a perfect example of this
….you rock William!
Check him out below