Written by: Aitsa!
Article source: JOY! Magazine
Rozanne Appollis grew up in Lanquedoc, a small village that was built to accommodate seasonal farmworkers. While she was still in primary school, her family moved to Kylemore, where she finished her grade 12 year. There was no option to study further after school as she needed to start working and earning money. Rozanne initially worked as seasonal worker on the surrounding farms – packing fruit and working in the vineyards with her husband when the fruit season was over. Five years ago, her boss at Lemoenkloof Farm called her in to ask if she would be interested in working at Aitsa as a kitchen assistant. She jumped at the opportunity of permanent work.
Rozanne felt at home at Aitsa, right from the start
For the first two years Rozanne helped in the kitchen, assisting with school classes when needed. Marietjie, our team leader, saw her potential and work ethic and assigned her as permanent assistant to first the Grade 4 and then Grade 3 classes. Rozanne still helps in the kitchen in the mornings until lunch time, helping to prepare meals for the 230 children in our care.
“I want every child to make something good of their lives and to inspire others to also want a better life.”
Aitsa encouraged Rozanne to start further training
Last year Rozanne attended a course in Early Childhood Development, passing with a 95% average and finishing second in her class! She is currently doing her level 5 ECD qualification by attending classes on Saturdays in Kraaifontein, about 20 km away. After completing her level 5 qualification, she dreams of studying further at Stellenbosch University and qualifying as a social worker. Having been sexually abused as a child herself, she would like to shelter children in her community and provide a safe haven for them. She loves giving hugs to those children whom she can see have had a rough weekend.
You can change your own life!
Rozanne’s two children both attend Aitsa aftercare. She says that Aitsa plays a very big role in her personal life, helping her find better ways of dealing with her children, household, and marriage. They now eat dinner together and share the problems and highlights of each day. Aitsa’s support and ethos of helping each other means a lot to her. She is focused on “using all the pieces people bring into her life to grow as a person, and to share it with others”. Her message to others? You can choose what you make of your life…
AITSA is a Bible-based organisation that wants to create a safe, loving and stimulating environment where each child’s full potential can be developed. Visit aitsa.org to learn more about their work.
Mergon Foundation is a resource partner to ministries who expand God’s Kingdom and bring hope and restoration to communities across Africa and the Middle East. www.mergon.co.za
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Date published: 12/02/2021
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