Sandisiwe is an incredible South African who has endured heartache but continues to tackle life’s challenges head on.
South Africa (24 August 2015) – She lost her mother to a prolonged illness 5 years ago and at the mere age of 16, took on the responsibility to take care of her 2 younger siblings, with very little support from the rest of her family.
Sandisiwe embraced the role & to this day, still continues to take care of her now ten and 8-year-old siblings.
African Food For Thought, a non-profit organisation, heard about Sandisiwe’s story and has been assisting her for several years.
Through all the hardships, her strength and determination to look after her family did not falter her studies; in 2013 she managed to matriculate with University entrance to a bachelor’s degree.
After applying for a bursary with Harmony Gold, Sandisiwe started studying at UJ the following year for her degree in social work.
She is an inspirational young person with an incredible desire to lift herself and her siblings out of poverty.
African Food For Thought has been with Sandisiwe for some years and knew that she had been wearing the same glasses for over 4 years which would make the prescription completely outdated so they posted a request on For Good… an organisation dedicated to connecting charities with the right people.
“For Good is like a dating-site for charities… it takes a need or cause or charity & connects them with the right people. Our main is to fill the needs of charities, if you have size 7 & a half soccer boots that you want to give away, then we’ll help you find the charity that needs it.”
Lisette Shain Datnow saw the request on the website & immediately contacted her friend Sam Schneider, an optometrist in Northcliff.
“I run an outreach group called (Do Good & Have Fun) where we find facilities or creches that need a little tlc or upgrading & help them out. I was searching (For Good) when I saw the post about Sandisiwe. I knew immediately that I needed to phone Sam to see if he could help.”
“He didn’t hesitate for a second… his answer was of course, only with pleasure.”
Sam and his optometry store assisted her with eye tests and brand-new glasses to help her see a brighter future for herself.
“Sam, you really went out of your way to help, thank you so very much & Sandisiwe, we’re all wishing you the best for your future.”
by 