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Ignition

Career Girl Who Conquered tough times

Siphokazi, who is 21 years old, grew up in what is arguably the worst possible home environment – a child-headed household in Alexandra. And yet, today, she is about to start a fulfilling career as a qualified auxiliary social worker. Hers is a story of remarkable tenacity and application, underpinned by the care and love of supportive people. “I basically grew up under the care of my sister, who is six years older than me,” says the diminutive Alex resident. “I was 13 years old and had no identification documents. We were helped by Rays of Hope’s Child-Headed Households programme and by some of the families linked to Rays of Hope. Eventually I passed matric in 2013.” She always knew that her future lay in social work. “I guess it was because of my life as a child. There are so many people, particularly children, who need help and I would like to play a role in that area. “Ignition helped her find her way into a career both in a practical way by assisting her with her application to enrol for her studies, and also by supporting her financially. She began attending a private college in Johannesburg, the Lethukukhanya Health Institute, in 2015. She completed her one-year auxiliary social work course in April 2016, and is waiting to graduate. “My CV is up to date and I am actively looking for employment,” she says. “I could work for the government’s Department of Social Development, for an NGO or even for a private company. I am confident that I have the ability to work hard and well. I know I can make a difference. I have been waiting my whole life to do this. Siphokazi understands that she needs to study further. “I do not have a degree, which means I can only work as an assistant. That’s no problem. I can carry on with a degree and become a fully-fledged social worker in time.” She owes a great deal to Ignition. “They were my rock, especially Sarah. The mentoring, the seminars, the life skills, the support. Everything they gave me helped me get to where I am.”November 2016 – Siphokazi has still not obtained a job in social work (due to paperwork issues with the institution). If anyone would like to hire a dedicated and compassionate auxiliary social worker, please contact her through Ignition: ignition@raysofhope.co.za.

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