LEAP born-frees make their mark
South Africa’s recent national elections gave our first born-free LEAP students an opportunity to make their mark. Two LEAP 3 learners, Tshegofatso Letlotla and Lusizo Harmans, share about their experience.
Tshegofatso spoke proudly about voting on 7 May 2014, she said
It was a great experience, I felt proud and felt like a responsible citizen. I felt that my vote was important and I was making a difference in my community.
According to Tshegofatso, LEAP has been her inspiration and motivation to vote. She said “LEAP inspires me with the LEAP learning model, our social responsibility causes and our Life Orientation classes. LEAP has taught me to give back to my community and be a good citizen.” Tshehofatso has been at LEAP 3 in Linbro Park for four years and is planning a career in urban town planning. She lives in Alexandra township with her mum and wants to make her mum proud.
Lusizo spoke enthusiastically about her first voting experience, she said
I had an amazing experience and I know my vote will make a difference. I thought I was going to be standing in a long line, but my vote was so quick and easy to do. It felt great to make my mark.
Lusizo, also attributes her motivation to vote and make a difference to LEAP. She said “LEAP is inspiring me to make a positive difference in my community. I am now more aware of the problems experienced in my community and with our social responsibility programmes at LEAP, I can make a difference in my community. I feel that my vote will make a positive difference to the people of my community.” She further stated that LEAP has made her proud of herself and her accomplishments. Lusizo resides in Alexandra township with her mum and sisters. She is aiming to be a good role model to her sisters and hopes to study B.Com Law next year.
The violent riots that erupted in Alexandra after the election results were announced have further motivated these two young women to positive role models and leaders in their communities.
