Refilwehape Mofokeng reflects on her intership journey with the FunDza team.
This wonderful journey with FunDza started on the 3rd of January 2018. It came and added so much value and shaped me in all spheres of my life. Through it, my rough edges were polished and now – as my journey with FunDza Literacy Trust comes to an end – I feel the world will be ready for Refilwehape Mofokeng, who is a force to be reckoned with!
Since dropping out of varsity in 2015, I never thought I would live to see my dreams come true, but being at FunDza – I got to dream afresh. I have always wanted to write while I was growing up – I even wrote my manuscripts on exercise books – but I never knew that one day I would be a published aspiring writer, yet through FunDza’s support that dream has come to pass.
Refilwe at the Northern Cape National Book Week.
I have always loved public speaking and that gift was sharpened by being here at FunDza because I have assisted to run workshops and the biggest achievement was to co-facilitate the “Reading for Enjoyment” sessions with Sonja Kruse at False Bay College. This was one of the experiences I will never forget, because my public speaking skills have been taken up a notch.
I have also had a wonderful time doing editing in African languages (Sesotho, Setswana and Sepedi) submission pieces from Fanz Writers. I loved how editing has enabled me to get into the shoes of the writer and to understand their writing process.
One of my favourite tasks has been data capturing whether it is for workshop material or assisting with updating information for the staff on the work they might have been busy doing. What I love about data capturing is the accuracy, focus and the need to pay attention to detail. I cannot forget the reception duties as these have given me an opportunity to learn telephone etiquette. I had my funny moments with the phone, especially having to respond to phone calls where the caller has mistaken FunDza Literacy Trust for Funza Lushaka!
Through my reception duties I also had the opportunity to meet walk-in people who visit FunDza’s offices just to learn more about the work that FunDza does for our society.
I will forever be grateful for the National Book Week experience. I was able to visit Kathu in the Northern Cape and Letsopa in the North West, and I got to fly for the first time. I will always treasure how FunDza is able to reach everyone – when I was in Letsopa more than one child from the audience knew about FunDza on FreeBasics. I was touched by that and realised that FunDza is really doing a massive Job.
As I end off my reflection I want to send a special individual thank yous to each and every member of the FunDza Team.
Mignon Hardie: Thank you for being an awesome boss and sharing your vision with people like me. I got to experience your leadership and strength through our meetings… continue to lead with wisdom and courage.
Dawn Wilson: Thank you for your kindness and listening ear and support. I got to experience your empathy through check ins and I value your care.
Dorothy Dyer: Thank you for allowing me to come to YEBO sessions with you… it has helped me especially with people skills.
Ros Haden: I don’t know what I can say but one thing I want to thank you for being willing to help and grooming me as an aspiring writer.
Zimkhitha Mlanzeli: Thank you for those nice cup of teas for your light laughter and love and most of all your great wisdom and love. I appreciate it. I love you too!
Zilungile Athenjwa Zimela: Mntase, thank you for being an inspiration and thank you for the light and encouragement you have brought in my life.
Lukhanyo Matshebelele: Thank you for your patience, support and encouragement you have forward and thank you for your wisdom as well.
Ndibulele Sotondoshe: Thank you for always giving me your honest opinion and for that I will forever be grateful.
Andiswa Mqaba: Thank you for always telling like it is and for your motivation and encouragement.
Alonzo Naude: I was first welcomed by you at FunDza. Thank you for your tireless guidance support. I will forever be thankful.
Nandipha Tshabane: It has been an honour to work with someone who knows each and everyone of your beneficiaries by heart… you love your job and from that I have learnt a lot. Thank you, Nandiz.
Thank you very much FunDza Literacy Trust for this amazing journey.
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And, from us at FunDza, we want to say a huge thank you to Refilwe for joining us for the year.
Refilwe, we will sorely miss your generous smile, your gentle humour, kind compassion, willingness to work and grow… and for giving us your opinion just like it is! Yes, 56 slides may be TOO much!!! We love you and wish you so much goodness in your future. May you study hard and reach for the stars. You are worthy of great things.
~ Mignon