A Generation Rising Up

It has been a joy for me to spend quite a lot of time with the Seed of Hope interns throughout our time here. The interns, a team of 7 individuals ranging from ages 18 - 21, are working in the child and youth development programs of Seed of Hope.  Four of the interns each teach one of the Simunye classes. Simunye, Zulu for "Untied," is the after school program for the elementary level and is split into four groups based on grade level. The other three interns go to the high school as part of the Abaholi Bakusasa program, working with a different grade each day of the week. Abaholi Bakusasa, Zulu for "tomorrow's leaders," teaches students life skills as well as moral lessons from a biblical perspective, and helps to prepare them for the post-secondary world.

I am so inspired and encouraged by the interns. The interns are young adults who have come up through Seed of Hope themselves. They are from the local community surrounding Seed of Hope, Bhekulwandle, and are evidence of the great work that is taking place there. Getting the internship was no easy task either - the openings were posted, and it was a two interview process to get chosen. These interns are dedicated to serving their community and raising up a next generation that knows how much they are loved and valued. They bring so much laughter, light, and life into the lives of not just the children and youth that they are providing leadership to, but all those that they interact with.

Like any young adult, these interns have hopes and dreams. They have studies and careers they are hoping to pursue. Most of them are working at raising their grades to get into university once their internships are over. When asked about what we could be praying about for them, the general response was that they would continue to seek God's guidance and that they would have strength to overcome obstacles.

When I look at the group of interns, I see so much hope for the country of South Africa. They are leaders who are just beginning to tap into their talents, abilities, and potential. As they continue to seek God first, I know God will use them to do incredible things.

From left to right: Zama, Nosipho, Sne, Thobani, Zinhle (Mentor), Esethu, Aynsley, Erica, Wandile, Musa (Mentor)

Aynsley