SPAR race beneficiary finds her wings and takes flight
A successful young woman from Pretoria's life story testifies to the value that the Chrysalis Foundation can add to the young women's lives with the help of the SPAR Women's Race.
Through the Chrysalis Foundation – which benefits from the proceeds of the Pretoria SPAR Women’s Challenge race – Emelie Ledwaba has not only found her wings and is now walking a path of success, but she is also showing other girls just like her how to find theirs too.
Born in 1991, Emelie grew up in Diepsloot and at the age of 15, in 2006, she joined the Chrysalis Foundation as a student. The Chryalis Foundation runs skills development courses for disadvantaged and traumatised girls aged 14 to 18.
Their ethos is based on the way in which a caterpillar emerges transformed from the safety of the chrysalis into a beautiful butterfly. This is how the girls of the Chrysalis Foundation learn to reach their fullest potential.
The foundation also ensures that the girls find practical applications for their skills by providing work opportunities for them on completion of their course.
Ledwaba had the opportunity to uncover her true potential through tertiary education thanks to the sponsorship of the Chrysalis Foundation, she graduated from the Boston College in 2009.
“After my graduation from the Chrysalis camp I became a volunteer. This foundation has taught me to be confident, have a high self-esteem and most of all it taught me respect. Life can be challenging when you are on your own but with a group of peers that cares for and loves you everything becomes better,” said Ledwaba.
The Chrysalis Foundation has been a beneficiary of the Pretoria SPAR Women’s Challenge since 2013. A portion of the race proceeds provides Chrysalis with much needed funding that allows them to continue uplifting the girls under their care.
Ledwaba said that, to her, the #FindYourWingz theme finds its meaning in the ability to look into one’s self.
“I think it means being able to find the true me and to always try to reach the sky,” she concluded.
For the girls out there who may have lost their wings along the way, Ledwaba’s advice is to never give up.
For more information or to make a donation, contact the Chrysalis Foundation on 012 993 2351.
The Pretoria SPAR Women’s Challenge takes place on 4 August 2018 at SuperSport Park Stadium in Centurion. Entries are available at selected SPAR stores and online at sparladiespta.co.za. For more information, to stay on top of the latest race news, enter exciting competitions and to show your support, Like the SPAR Women’s Challenge Pretoria Facebook Page or follow @SPARladiespta on Twitter.
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