Completing the Circle of Generosity
Kamogelo Merementsi | Class of 2022, Tiger Kloof Combined School
Background: Kamogelo started living with her grandmother when she was 6 years old because her mother had to go work. Her mother unfortunately passed on in 2012 leaving her in the full care of her grandmother since she did not have a relationship with her father. She has two siblings, one older and one younger. Her grandmother unfortunately also passed on when she was doing her matric. She describes this as a hard time for her but being motivated even more because she knew the sacrifices that had been made for her and wanted to continue making her grandmother proud.
Currently Studying: Bachelor of Education at the University of Pretoria
Currently Busy With: Founding a nonprofit that helps grade 12 students from her rural village with university applications
Why did you choose to study education?
I chose to study education because I grew up loving teaching. I am currently majoring in Tourism, Business Studies and Setswana. I knew I wanted to be a teacher even at primary school when I would play with my friends and ask to role play a teacher. This was influenced by how my primary teachers were. They were very patient and knew how to deal with kids.
Where do you hope to teach when you graduate?
Gauteng, Rustenburg or Tiger Kloof. My reason for picking Tiger Kloof specifically is because I've experienced management of other schools during my practicals and feel that Tiger Kloof’ could benefit from some new ideas I've been exposed to.
Tell us more about the nonprofit you have founded. What need did you see in your community?
The need for information. I think that having information would really help and motivate them. The youth in my community is clueless about a lot of things including choosing subjects when going to grade 10. They usually have no guidance hence most of them have self-pity as a result of lack of motivation. I would really love to change that but I can't do it alone, the community on its own is failing the youth so it would be a huge step to make a change in that community and the results would be good if I were to take that step. The need I saw also is that kids from my community are struggling with internet connectivity, have no idea how to apply for higher institutions and struggle to pay for the application fee.
How did you respond to the need?
I haven't responded to the need for information because it is a huge step and I can't do it alone but everytime I got a chance during my teaching practicals, I would ask the grade 10s to explain to me why they chose the subjects they chose. They often had no idea and I enlightened them on why and how to choose your subjects, took them through my experience. As a result, they understood and some changed subjects. It's what they needed to hear to make the right choices. I also started the NgwanaSejo Charity Foundation that offers services like helping with varsity applications for free and paying the application fee if the potential varsity candidate is unable to pay for it.
Why did you respond?
I found that my passion is helping others. I'm a very selfless being so I’m able to offer help without expecting something in return. I used to be a mathematical literacy and Setswana mentor back in high school. I didn't volunteer, learners came to me asking for help and even offered to pay me but I accepted the offer under one condition, which is them allowing me to do it for free. I believe that I was raised by the community so that on its own taught me to never do everything for a price.
How has Raise the Chidlren made an impact in your life so far?
RTC really contributed a lot in my growth and I'm proud to say that today, I'm a woman of substance because of Raise the Children. I believe that I possess a great wisdom of life because of their contribution in my journey. Their positive impact my life is something I'll forever be grateful for.
