A total of 70 past and present matric learners from Delft, Heideveld, Hanover Park and Westlake were treated to a breakfast – and words of wisdom – at an event held at Lansdowne Civic Centre on Saturday 11 February.
Organised by the Community Development Foundation Western Cape (CDF WCape), the Table of Joy Matric Breakfast was an opportunity for the class of 2022 and a class of 2023 learners to share their experiences and to learn from those who went before them.
CDF WCape is a registered non-profit organisation (NPO) situated in Wynberg to strengthen the community through philanthropy. An agent for change, the NPO identifies opportunities that link donors’ interests to community needs and aspirations.
Freda Philander, executive director of CDF WCape, says the mission of the NPO is to improve the quality of life, strengthen the common good and address the most challenging social concerns of people living in the Western Cape.
“Integrated strategies to eradicate poverty include social economic development initiatives and vocational skills training for women and youth,” says Philander.
Table of Joy is just such an initiative.
“One of the 2022 matriculants, who attended the breakfast, shared her story of perseverance in the face of adversity. Being a single mother and taking care of her family, she persevered and through hard work, she successfully passed Grade 12. She is now the only breadwinner and believes that education is very important. She is eager to enrol in a tertiary institution,” shares Philander.
Prof Jonathan Jansen was the guest speaker at the event. Jansen is an internationally renowned education expert who in 2009 became the first black rector and vice-chancellor of the University of the Free State. He is a regular newspaper contributor known for his views on transformation, peaceful reconciliation and unity.
Philander says Jansen’s message to the learners was inspiring.
“He reminded the learners that his life was once like theirs. He once lived in the same neighbourhood, went through the same stages, and all of this made him into the person he is today. He is living proof that no matter what your circumstances are, you can be who you want to be as long as you set your goals and strive towards achieving them,” says Philander.
February’s event was the second of its kind, with the first breakfast held in October last year.
On that occasion, 50 learners attended. Philander says, with the help of donors, they hope to extend the Table of Joy-Matric Breakfast to more learners.
- To donate, call CDF WCape on 021 761 8339. For more information, visit www.cdfwcape.org.za
