citizens

SAWIP 2013 QUOTES“Now, as alumni, it is time that we goout into the world and use all thatwe have learned to make a differencein our nation”Sibahle Magadla, SAWIP 2013Bidding Farewell to the SAWIP 2013 Journey“This ability to build communities ofyoung South Africans from scratch isone of the major strengths ofSAWIP.”Jessica Breakey, SAWIP 2013By : Sibahle Magadla, SAWIP 2013The 27 th of September – the SAWIP graduation‐ marked the end of our Team’sjourney.It was a very special opportunity for familyand friends to meet our fellow Teammembers and the rest of the SAWIP communityas well as to appreciate theachievement in completing the very rigorousand demanding SAWIP programme.They also gained a better understandingof how valuable the programis and how privileged we all were to bepart of it.Sibusiso Vilane, our guest speaker, renownedmountaineer, expedition leader,inspirational speaker and author of thebook “To the Top from Nowhere”, sharedhis story of conquering Mount Everestand the other high peaks of the world.He drew lessons, from his experiences, ofthe critical role of leadership in achievingone’s goals.The actual graduation ceremony finallycame and we each received our certificates.When Cara Mazetti‐Claasen and I spokeabout the SAWIP team community engagementproject, it hit me for the firsttime that, as a team, we had made a positivedifference in the lives of 15 youngpeople from Robertson. I felt so fulfilled.Finally, we as the SAWIP Team of 2013were inducted into the SAWIP alumninetwork which was a special moment forall of us. They understood profoundly theexcitement we were feeling at this transitionalmoment.Our ‘thank yous’ could not express theextent of our appreciation to all those inthe SAWIP community who contributedto our Team’s growth and development:the Boards in South Africa and in WashingtonD.C. and their Committees, JayaTiwari (Executive Director in Washington,D.C.), Sally Currin (Chief OperationsOfficer), Kim Williams (ProgramManager), Jason Pentz, and Justin Groep(2013 Team Managers).I get a lump in my throat just thinkingabout the emotions I felt when sayinggoodbye to one of the best chapters ofmy life so far.Now, as alumni, it is time that we go outinto the world and use all that we havelearned to make a difference in our nation– it’s up to us now how we do it.“As a team and individually, thesestudents left lasting positive impressionson anyone they came in contactwith during their time in U.S.”Jaya Tiwari ,Executive Director ofSAWIP-US,“There is an indescribable joy thatone feels helping a student realisetheir potential. “Elroy Bell, SAWIP 2013, describing hiswork placement with Sitar Arts Center“I have been pushed beyond what Iknow and will return home with arenewed confidence, a change inperspective and a shift in my intellectualmindset.“Camille Fredericks , SAWIP 2013,Reflecting on the SAWIP Journey