Send Wewe Back to School

My name is Nomawethu 'Wewe' Sokoyi. I was born in a rural area called Cradock in 1988. My parents relocated to Cape Town when I was three to look for work and a brighter future. My father ended up leaving us soon after we moved to town, making it very difficult for my mother to make ends meet. Life was not easy but somehow we got through.

When I was 18, I decided I needed to help support my family. I started volunteering at different organizations in the community when I was still in secondary school, aiming to build experience and hopefully earn some money. 

I enrolled and started a degree at the University of Cape Town in 2006. I ended up dropping out in the first year because finances were too tight at home. I continued to work as a volunteer in my community as a football coach and life-skills mentor for young girls. Within a short time I was offered an entry level position as a programme coordinator. This was the start of my career in the ‘sport for social change’ sector.

Over the years I have developed my knowledge and skills in this field significantly. I was appointed as the first Programme Manager at an AMANDLA EduFootball Safe-Hub in 2011 and have grown into a specialist in the field. Through AMANDLA I have also completed various certificates in Sports Administration, Child and Youth Care Work and other disciplines.

I am at an important juncture in my life. To grow personally and professionally I have decided that I would like to pursue a higher academic qualification. I have selected psychology as my field of choice as it is aligned with my passion of working with and building people. I intend to continue using my increased knowledge and skills in the fields of community and youth development as my career continues.

My first step is to enroll for a part-time Bachelor of Applied Social Sciences degree at the South African College of Applied Psychology. On completion of this programme I intend to continue with the Honours, and ultimately a Masters degree.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. If you are willing to help me realize my dream, I would be extremely grateful!