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Newsletter #5

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Newsletter #4

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Newsletter #3

Applying lessons learned at the Kickstarter workshop to a local school.

Fortunately, Dikeledi Primary School allowed us to come and apply the lessons we learned on their students. We pride ourselves with facilitating and working with kids and the lessons that we learned at the workshop taught us how to do so. Admittedly we were a little bit challenged because we had to implement what we learned and be governed by what the book says. However, the experience made us all aware that there is a lot of work to be done in our local schools.

We understand that it is a step into the right direction and, “Rome wasn’t built overnight” so we will do our best to fill in the gaps that we see. Of course, with the help of the teachers and support, we shall ensure a bright future for upcoming artists and athletes.

Stand foundation training workshop.

As far as it goes Assitej works to empower artists. The day before Africa day, on the 24th of May, three of our crew members went to Rustenburg to attend a community arts centre toolkit launch, held at the province of North West on the next day, the 25th of May. It was hosted on Africa day at Alpha lodge and spa in Rustenburg plot 159 Donkerhoek.

Community art centres and NPO members received the memo and wore the best of their traditional attires. The image you see above is a photo of the attendees who attended the event, and on the right is the founder & project director of Tsholofelo Ya Sechaba whom attended the training as well.

The toolkit was divided into 5 workshops, namely as follows;

• Definition, environment & role,
• Governance, managing & staffing, sustainability, fundraising and income generation,
• Programming and project management,
• Financial management, and
• Marketing & publicity.

They also celebrated Africa day on that day, which was a wonderful event.

[The Founder and Project Director of TSCC at Stand Foundation training.]

The training was very educative and some of the methodologies are already being applied at the organisation. Overall, the event was a success and we’re only getting better as an organisation.

Touching lives and making a difference

Former beneficiaries turned facilitators

This month’s issue hits home, in fact it hits different, we decided to feature Reatlegile Motshegoa, Nkagiseng Bodibe and Ledule Rapoo. This three were beneficiaries at their tender ages and they are now working as facilitators at Tsholofelo ya Sechaba Community Centre, although Ledule Rapoo, who is 18 years old, is currently volunteering at the centre, the other two are hired as facilitators. Nkagiseng Bodibe operates as a cultural dance facilitator and Reatlegile Motshegoa as a drama facilitator.

The three reflects the growth of the centre within the community and we have committed ourselves to continuously grow as a community driven centre that affects the community in a positive manner. We decided to find out from them, in their own words, what drove them to take on the role of becoming facilitators for the organisation.

Reatlegile Motshegoa

Drama facilitator

"I joined the centre when I was 11 years and in primary school doing grade 4. I developed a lot of my art there on the side of drama, music, dance and drawing.

I came back to the centre as a facilitator, years later, and ever since I started, I learned a lot about taking care of young kids and also to teach kids how to grow on their talents positively.

Ever since I started getting stipends, I see the difference in my life now that I am able to wear good clothes and to achieve my goals."

Nkagiseng Bodibe

Cultural dance facilitator

"I started attending the centre when I was maybe 9 years old, I was doing grade 4 or 5.

As a beneficiary, the centre helped me a lot. It taught me so much about myself and the potential that I have. I gained confidence and I learned that anything is possible when you believe and I’m thankful.

To be honest, the stipend that I’m receiving helps me a lot because at least now I’m not dependant…so it changed my life because now I can rely on myself."

Ledulo Rapoo

Volunteering facilitator

"I started coming to the centre when I was at grade 4, I was 11 or 12.

I liked that it takes kids away from the streets and exposes their hidden talents, and also teaches them."

A question was posed to her; "What made you volunteer at the centre?"
"I see talent and a good future for kids who attend the centre and my aim is to help them become successful in life."

Things like this encourages us to continue with our work and to also take pride in sharing the stories of our community. It shows that we had a positive impact on their lives and they themselves have decided to contribute back to the centre by sharing their talents with the next generation.

Rezelda Nenzhelele’s journey to becoming Miss Teen 2021.

Connect with her

It was a great pleasure that we were given an opportunity to have a conversation with the young lady who earned herself a title of Miss Teen 2021. Miss Rezelda comes across as an intelligent and very strong young lady who is highly motivated. We feature her story as an inspiration to the audience, and also, to inspire young kids to reach for their goals and/or dreams.

Rezelda shared with us her story and journey towards becoming Miss Teen 2021 titleholder;

Rezelda is from One & Ten village in Moretele District at North West province. She is the last child of 4 and is turning 22 on the 6th of July. She matriculated in 2018 at Matlaisane Secondary school.

In her own words she stated that she is one person who does not believe in luck, but a blessing. She doesn’t believe in coincident but appointed times. She told us that a wiseman once said “You cannot ask God to order your steps when you’re not ready to move your feet”, and she entirely believes that.

From her, “I have had so many tries…that failed, but with the help of God, I eventually found my feet again. I was a model, doing pretty well, even earned myself a ‘Miss Teen SA 2021’ title”.

She continues to say, “The journey wasn’t easy at all, to begin with, short people aren’t considered as models, I forced myself into it regardless of my height, and I earned myself a lot of respect from people for doing that, however, why be in a space where you feel you don’t belong? I then decided to take my craft as an actor serious…”.

She has been featured in popular soaps like Generations The Legacy and Muvhango, which she says was a great experience for her. She also stated to us that she wants to expand her wings and has embarked on a journey of drumming, and also enjoys painting as a therapy. She classifies herself as a multidisciplinary performer.

Rezelda Nenzhelele is an inspiration to many of the young girls and we hope that she will inspire more young people. Rezelda had more to say about her thoughts about art and her experience working with TSCC on the event that was held last year of the Career Conference during Human Rights Day, and also had positive things to say about TSCC’s founder & Project Director. The piece will be featured on the next issue coming out next month on the 1st of July 2023. Please watch out for that.

Announcement

TSCC (Tsholofelo Ya Sechaba Community Centre) has relocated to a new facility due to unforeseen reasons. Please note that the new address is as follows;

2045 Maudu Section
Makapanstad
North West
0404

Newsletter Crew

Editor, Designer & Web Developer

Itumeleng Kgosana

IT, Marketing &
Communications Manager

Drama & News Co-ordinator

Obakeng Maimane

Drama
facilitator

Supervisor

Tsholofelo "Zebra" Pitse

Founder &
Project Director