September: Kurt Warner (02 CHARLIE)

I am a graduate of the 2002 Charlie group and I would like to share my story of success. Seventeen years ago, I entered the three-months course as a seventeen-year old, Grade 11 pupil.  I joined more out of obligation, than by choice.  During this time, I was desperately trying to find my identity in all the wrong places, including experimenting with drugs and alcohol.  As a result, I lost interest in the things that I enjoyed before. Growing up in the area of Mitchells plain, with a single mom, I found it easier to take the route of shifting blame, and not taking responsibility for my actions.

While on the three-months course, I had an encounter that I still consider as my turn around. I learnt things on many levels, both as an individual and about my role in society.  I was exposed to many tools that enabled me to navigate through life and make positive choices. I have many fond memories of the three-months spent at the academy, and I continue to apply everything that I had learnt on a daily basis, including shaving, wearing shining shoes and being self-disciplined.

Reflecting on the last seventeen years of my life, I can clearly see the positive progress, with consistency being the key.  I am not exactly where I want to be, but I wish to acknowledge that I have come a long way.

• Immediately after the program I returned to school and matriculated in the year 2003.
• After matric and with my exposure to community projects, I became involved in a local sports club, both as a player and a coach as I used my SAFA coaching certificates to good effect by volunteering to help with junior structures, while seeking employment.

• On a spiritual level, I got involved in my local assembly working with youth and joined the church worship band.
• On the work front as of 2006, I was employed at the South African Social Security Agency(SASSA) as an administrator, and I have since been promoted to a supervisory level working in impoverished communities.
• In 2018, I completed a National Diploma in Human Resource Management at Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and I am currently doing an Advanced Diploma in Management at the University of the Western Cape.
• In 2018 I married and I have two beautiful children.
• I’m now also an avid runner and I am looking forward to completing my first marathon in the near future.

I am enterally grateful to Chrysalis for what I was taught as it has really shaped my life.

I wish to appeal to all young people to ensure that they wear a mask, sanitize, wash hand regularly during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  We can overcome!