Insights
Resilience, Courage and Giving Back - Lessons from Afrika Tikkun
For a group of high school girls, completing the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award with Afrika Tikkun is an experience of a lifetime.
"The award has really taught us resilience," shared Mmabidietsa Kganakga, a sixteen-year old from the Alexandra centre. "Having to balance the award and my schoolwork was sometimes stressful, but I managed by not giving up and kept pushing myself," This sentiment was echoed by Masego Madiga, who cited “perseverance and consistency” as essential skills honed through the voluntary service component of the award. Working at an elderly home, pushed her out of her comfort zone but allowed her to engage with her community more deeply.
Courage was another major takeaway. Stepping out to volunteer at elderly homes and orphanages helped participants deal with unfamiliar scenarios. As Matodzi Mulaudzi reflected, "I never thought I'd be that person who can go out and make an impact in the community."
Through these challenges, the girls developed essential life skills and unlocked new proficiencies. The ‘adventurous journeys’ (a guided expedition to discover nature), though daunting at first, emerged as a cherished aspect of the award programme. Matodzi recounted the experience of bonding through shared challenges like cooking and setting up camp. “We all had to act as one.”
The girls embraced challenges like sharing campsites and trekking at high altitudes, acquiring valuable practical skills such as pitching tents and hiking—activities that were previously unfamiliar to them. They also had to rise to the physical challenges. "It really showed me the importance of being fit. I had to work on my stamina.” said Masego.
One of the most rewarding lessons was discovering how meaningful it is to give back. "Having to hear how about how our grandparents lived like before was such an enriching experience." said Mmabidietsa.
The broader impact of Afrika Tikkun cannot be underestimated. "It truly has been a home away from home,” said Shaylet Sibanda. “I have gained the confidence and motivation to become the young lady I am.”
Further reading: Stonehage Fleming supports the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
@Image from a recent Adventurous Journey from Afrika Tikkun