Meet Victor (32) - an UKAJEDE success story that we would like to share with you
Our paths first crossed in 2004 when The People for Ukajede Foundation was still finding its place as a non-profit organization, providing support in the informal settlement of Ukajede, East Rand, Johannesburg. The food initiative was well on its way in the 8 crèches - providing a daily meal to approximately 500 children. We came across a group of young boys playing soccer on a sandy veld, and the football fans in The Foundation thought it would be fun to start our own team. The fun thought was taken seriously and before we knew it, we had registered The Ukajede Strikers in the official East Rand u/13 league.
With dedication from the sponsors, local businesses and Foundation supporters, we were able to take the team through each year until they competed as u/18's.
Back to Victor. He was a powerful young boy on any sports field. He was a key Striker, and often took the Man of the Match trophy. He was also an incredibly talented cricketer, and even went on to play rugby at Craven week. Basically, an all-round sports over-achiever. However, Victor was dealt hard knocks as a young teenager. Being raised by his single mom in an informal settlement, his challenges started from birth when his father left the family. On the academic front, Victor was faced with additional set-backs when it was established that he had learning difficulties and needed special education. He was able to enrol in a special education school in Benoni named Belvedere. There he received tremendous support from his teachers and school principle. This was a life-changing experience for him where he learned not to give up.
Sadly, Victor's mom passed away when he was 14 and his elderly Grandmother took over the parental role. Granny died two years later, leaving Victor to fend for himself. The People for Ukajede Foundation became aware of his misfortune. As we looked into his story, we realized that there were more children in the Ukajede Strikers suffering a similar fate. Getting through high school for the average teenager is not easy but it became so clear that many of "our" boys were supporting themselves in an informal settlement with no income, food, electricity or water.
The Ukajede Foundation rented a house where Victor and 6 other teenagers lived until they finished school in 2010. Despite his learning challenges, Victor managed to pass Grade 9. After leaving school, he worked for a team building company at the Birchwood Hotel. This sparked his interest to develop his interpersonal and public speaking skills, and he went on to work for an events team-building company in Rustenburg.
Fast forward to 2022. Victor has grown a passion for motivational talks- specifically for teenagers faced with challenging circumstances. This year he took his career to new heights when he was invited to speak at a SANAS conference in Sun City in August. Here he addressed 300 school principals and chair persons of school governing bodies from Special Schools countrywide.
This was "a dream come true" moment for him and we could not be prouder. His vision is to continue motivating the youth to work through whatever challenges they face, and to never give up. Victor is one of many people whose lives have been changed by The People for Ukajede Foundation. With your help, he has been able to work for his dreams, and he continues to do the same for others.
“Thank you for being part of my success story. Because of people that I didn’t even meet in my life, I had opportunities and lessons. Because of you. Thank you. Please Never give up. What you are doing for these children, you will never understand the impact”.
- Victor Legotlo - November 2022