As she leaves behind a past in Zimbabwe, which she describes as “terrible”, Mavis Makope, 20, now can pursue her dreams thanks to Carryou Ministry.
Against odds Makope now is studying for a diploma in human resources at the Crane International Academy in Mpumalanga.
This was made possible by Carryou Ministry and other donors. Her story starts in Zimbabwe when she was only two months old and her father had died, leaving her and her sister to be raised by their single mother.
“In 2004 my mother died and two years later we came to South Africa as illegal immigrants,” Makope says.
“Conditions in Zimbabwe were terrible. Political instability saw schools close and life was very tough. I was 12 years old when we got to South Africa. We lived in Nelspruit for two years. I did not attend school during this time. Then an aunt suggested I come to Randfontein and in 2009 I started school here,” Makope adds.
Makope had a lot of ground to make up but she put her head down and caught up. She matriculated with good marks in 2013.
“While at school a friend introduced me to Carryou and they started the process of getting my documentation sorted out, so I could stay in the country legally,” Makope continues.
“Gradually, I became involved in the organisation’s activities and became part of a study group and even involved with the Childcare Forum. After school I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do but God works in wonderful ways and I was offered the opportunity and financial support to further my studies,” Makope says.
She explains that she is busy with an 18-month diploma course in human resources and will complete this course in 2015.
“After finishing my diploma, I hope to find work as a human resources manager in a large corporation or maybe even work for Carryou Ministry,” Makope concludes.
