Mokopane teen’s handmade cards spark hope and purpose
Diagnosed with autism, 17-year-old Letago Mello found his passion for card-making at CAL, where skills development opens real opportunities.
MOKOPANE – The 17-year-old Letago Mello from the Compass Academy of Learning (CAL) has one goal: to help people feel better one day.
Letago, who was diagnosed with autism, has faced challenges that many his age haven’t.
For his parents, it meant making hard choices early on, starting with the realisation that mainstream education was not the best fit for him.
His mother, Ramadimetsa, explains that autism is a developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Because it’s a spectrum disorder, symptoms and their intensity can vary significantly from person to person.
“Letago struggled in a traditional school setting. We had to find an alternative that understood his needs and helped him grow,” she said.
That’s when they found CAL. According to principal Elaine van Rensburg, CAL supports learners who cannot complete matric through conventional schooling by offering a simplified CAPS curriculum along with skills development.
“We work closely with entrepreneurs and organisations to equip our learners with practical, income-generating skills,” Van Rensburg says. “Our training is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), which means our learners can eventually earn a qualification and enter the workforce.”
One of CAL’s training partners is the Piet Potgieter Monument Old Age Home, where learners gain hands-on experience in areas like home care. To discover each learner’s interests, the school exposes them to various activities. It was during this process that Letago discovered his passion.
“He didn’t enjoy pottery at all – he couldn’t tolerate the texture of the clay,” Van Rensburg recalls, “but when we introduced card-making, something clicked. He started creating birthday, wedding and celebration cards naturally, without instruction.”
Letago beams with pride when he talks about his work. “I love making these cards. I want to sell them and make lots of money,” he says. “I want to buy sweets… and a bicycle. Maybe even a car.”
The handcrafted cards are available at CAL for R15 each. The proceeds go directly toward supporting Letago’s entrepreneurial journey.
“Our goal is to help children do what they love and turn it into something sustainable. That’s why we are passionate about skills development and accredited learning that can open real opportunities,” Van Rensburg remarked.
Registrations for the 2026 academic year are now open, but space is limited.
