Duke of Edinburgh International Award participants tell their stories at London event
Afrika Tikkun celebrated 30 years of transformative support with a recent event at Stonehage Fleming’s London office. The charity, whose mission is to invest in the potential of children and young people from underprivileged backgrounds runs ‘Cradle to Career’ developmental programmes and fully integrated 360º Social Services. Afrika Tikkun will reach over 400 young South Africans through Stonehage Fleming’s long-term commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.
At the event, Stonehage Fleming Partner, Hamish Sinclair, who is Chair of Afrika Tikkun, introduced four young women from Alexandra, one of Akrika Tikkun’s eight centres of excellence. Having recently completed their Silver Award, they shared their remarkable journeys.
One student, Mmabidietsa Kganakga, reflected on how the Award has built her inner strength, especially during the physically demanding activities like hikes and adventurous journeys. “The award taught me about resilience, being courageous, and the importance of giving back to my community”.
Another Award participant, Masego Madiga, noted how the award strengthened her perseverance and helped her focus on personal growth. "What I have gained from the award are essential life skills. I also learned the importance of perseverance and consistency through the volunteering," she said.”
Teamwork was another important learning for the students. “The adventurous journey was the most challenging but also the most rewarding part,” said Matodzi Mulaudzi. “It taught us teamwork, as we had to rely on each other during the activities. One of my favourite moments was when we attempted cooking, and despite almost messing it up, we laughed and learned together. Overall, it was an incredible experience that brought us closer and taught us valuable lessons.”
By sharing their personal stories, the young speakers at the event demonstrated the impact of their volunteering and outward bound experiences. Their testimony brought to life Afrika Tikkun’s mission to empower future leaders through education and opportunity.