Msizi nurtures dream to teach

MSIZI Mthwane is a young, driven man who is trying to do whatever he can to realise his dream of studying to become a teacher. Like many young people, Msizi’s biggest obstacle to making his dream a reality is funding, and now the young man is turning to the community for help. But first, he has to finish writing his matric exams in order to apply to study at a tertiary institution.

Msizi’s mother died in 2007 when he was 17, and he was handed over to social welfare as there was nowhere for him to go.

“I went to Open Door Crisis Care Centre and they got me accommodation, but because of my age, I was told the government couldn’t help me, and because of finances, I couldn’t finish my schooling and I had to drop out. A man by the name of Mr Williamson was my foster carer and he talked to the YMCA to have me housed in a home in Toti,” he said.

Msizi stayed at the YMCA for three years before it closed down, and he went back to Mr Williamson for help. Williamson suggested Msizi approach his church to ask for help. This he did and a woman, Dudu Mchunu offered him a place to stay.

“I went to the CEO of YMCA and to the office of the mayor to see if I could get help, and spoke to a woman there by the name of Mrs Khumalo who said they would get back to me, as the mayor has a fund which I hoped would be able to help me. I haven’t heard anything back from them,” he said.

Presently, Msizi is sleeping on the floor in Dudu’s dining room and is grateful to have a place to stay. He recently acquired a job at a call centre in Umhlanga, but he said the work is unstable as there is pressure to sell and if targets aren’t made, he can lose his job.

He said he is only earning enough at the moment to pay for transport and to help Dudu with food, as she is a machinist and doesn’t earn a big salary.

“I would really love to carry on with my schooling and study teaching. Mr Williamson helped me to pay for three months at Innovator’s College, but I had to leave for financial reasons. I have always wanted to teach foundation phase children as I am a Sunday school teacher and I work well with young children. I am hoping someone will be able to help make my dreams a reality,” he said.

Community Chest recently helped Msizi with clothes for his new job, which he is very grateful for.

Berea Mail contacted the eThekwini municipality to find out if the mayor’s foundation would be able to assist Msizi, however no response was received.

If anyone can help financially or with advice, contact Msizi on 062 623 6908 or contact Musa at Community Chest on 031 303 3890.