I have been through a lot of challenges as a teenager growing up on the dusty streets of Sithobela. However, I have in the back of my mind a sense of determination and perseverance, in spite of all the difficulties I am faced with daily. One question I trouble myself with is, "persevere for what exactly?". The answer stands right in front of me: my country is a 3rd world country; I have seen friends orphaned due to HIV/AIDS and many people relying on food donations to survive. With that being said the question can be rephrased to, "what would satisfy me the most?". The answer lies in undoing all the injustices I previously listed. The only way to achieve that is through empowerment of the youth, the future leaders of the country and the world – lifting my peers to the level of self-belief that says, "it's not where or how you began but it's where you end up that matters". Reading through TeenzTalk, I feel I can relate not only to the values you hold but the vision as well. A lot of young people in Africa have lost faith in themselves and their capabilities by virtue of birth, and I personally feel that is not reason enough to deprive yourself, your country, and the world of the true capabilities embroiled within you. Looking forward to working together!
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