“Keep your heart open to dreams. For as long as there’s a dream, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, there is joy in living.” ~ Author Unknown
Dreams. We all begin dreaming of our future at a very young age. Preschoolers proudly proclaim their future occupation at their graduation ceremony… Fire Fighter, Doctor, Vet, Super Hero and Princess to name a few. They believe they can be whatever they want to be.
My new friend Siphenkosi Sihono also has a dream — to be a chef. “I really enjoy cooking,” the 24-year old told me over a hamburger the other day.
But unlike many of us, dreaming of a future was not something Siphe (pronounced See-pay) did as a youngster. With so many obstacles and failures in his life, why dare to dream?
Born in the Eastern Cape of South Africa in a village outside of Mount Frere, Siphe’s mom relinquished him to his grandmother’s care, immediately after his birth. “Why?”, you may ask. She was married at the time… but not to her baby boy’s father. She knew her husband would never accept him nor allow her son to grow up in their household.
And so began his life … Siphe would grow up in his grandmother’s wooden home with no running water and no electricity. He became part of a household where 9 other cousins were already living. A very poor family where enough food was often a challenge.
But when asked how his life was growing up, Siphe responded, “My Gogo (grandmother) is a good woman.” His grandmother made them a family. She gave them a place to live and provided what little she could. He was happy.
(Side Note… Mount Frere is a very small, underdeveloped town in the Eastern Cape. The closest residents to the town live in rural villages ruled by Tribal Chiefs. These villages are still lacking basic services like proper roads, electricity and water. River water is still used by many who don’t have water tanks to collect their water.)
Throughout the years, Siphe’s mom would visit him when she could. His father did not. He had no contact with his dad until he was 16-years old.
None the less, life went on… Siphe attended the only primary school in the village where the education was very poor. When he started High School, the only school around was 5 kilometers away. With no transportation available, he hiked to and from school each day. There he attended but failed to pass Grade 9.
It was then that Siphe learned that his father, was moving to Knysna with his wife. Knowing that the schools were better in the Western Cape, Siphe asked if he could move with them. He pleaded his case for a better education. Surprisingly, his father and his wife agreed.
In 2013, Siphe moved to the Knysna township with his dad and stepmom. They rented a wooden shack with no electricity and no running water. Siphe didn’t complain. He was used to that way of life. This was his chance to get a better education. This was going to be the turning point in this 18-year old’s life. He was starting a new school in a new town.
Throughout the school year, things in his household deteriorated. His dad was drinking. The yelling started. His stepmom left. The turmoil took a toll on Siphe. His studies suffered. He failed grade 9 again.
Siphe was now 19-years old, with no hope of finishing High School. His dad had given up on him and insisted he get a job.
His goal to finish school, had become unachievable. This only confirmed why you do NOT dare to dream!
As he walked around town handing out his CV (resume), a woman took notice. She was the manager at the grocery store and saw that he was 19-years old and had not yet completed and passed grade 9. Unacceptable. This boy must be in school. She contacted our friend Ella to see if she could help.
Ella and her business partner Penny met with Siphe and gently encouraged him to move into Ella’s Safe House and return to school. Siphe took them up on the offer and moved into the Lukhanyiso Safe House. So, at 19-years old, Siphe would attend Grade 9 again at a different high school in the same Knysna township. Would the third time be the charm?
Yes! He passed grade 9 with a bit of struggle. But he passed! And it was now time for this 20-year old to have some privacy and be a little more independent. He was so much older than the other children in the Safe House, so Ella moved Siphe into a wooden house on property her mother owned. Due to a dispute over the land, Siphe’s new shack became a target. It was burned to the ground with the few things he owned.
Time to give up? Throw in the towel? He was struggling with his grades so much, that even Ella recommended he leave school in grade 10 and learn a trade.
Siphe wasn’t ready to give up. He was determined to achieve his goal. And he did. He successfully completed and passed, not only grade 10, but 11 and 12! He matriculated (graduated) from high school at age 22.
As I spoke with Siphe and to others about him, it is obvious he has never been one to get into trouble. He is very respectful and endearing with a squeaky clean reputation. He put his nose to the grindstone, stayed out of trouble and accomplished his goal of finishing high school.
Siphe now dares to dream of a future. He wants to be a chef! He envisions himself working as a chef on a cruise line or in a hotel. When asked if he had ever been on a boat, his answer was “No, never.” Hmmm, I think he may want to go on a boat ride before accepting any jobs on the water!
Working toward his new dream, Siphe, with financial support from the Khayamandi Foundation, is currently attending South Cape College in Oudtshoorn, South Africa. He is beginning Year 2 of a 3-year program where he will earn a diploma in Hospitality and Catering. His classes include Catering Theory, Applied Management, Safety and Sanitation, and Nutrition and Menu Planning. As part of the program he must complete practicals where he works in the industry.
Siphe has to work hard to succeed. Schooling does not come easy to him. But he is determined to succeed and is willing to put in the work. He now knows he can accomplish his goals and dare to dream of a future!
Gingersnaps 