I am proud to say I was born and bred in Westlake. Despite the challenges, goodness is cultivated in Westlake and through WUCT. My life would have been completely different without the presence of women like Veronica Weier and Diana Forester from WUCT, who dedicated themselves to uplift and support vulnerable women like my mother and me. These acts of service made me want a better life. It also made me see that women are fearless and powerful.

The annual camp was live changing for me. It gave me the opportunity to experience a place outside of Westlake. For a weekend I had a bed, a hot shower and 3 amazing meals/day - things so foreign to me then. It changed my thought process. It made me dream of one day having my own bed and a shower with instant hot water. I am now living the reality. These are the little things we take for granted but it’s an opportunity that can nurture greatness.

I also attended Emmanuel Educare. I love education - it changes the mind. It is through education that I was able to better my life. I now have a degree from the University of Cape Town, a feat which I am extremely proud of because it took everything in me to achieve. Emmanuel Educare instilled that in me. Dream beyond your circumstances. They gave me the foundations that set me up for life.