Reginald says ...

If there is one positive thing that has happened to me that I would never have imagined 3 years ago, it is that I am now able to work with youth and try to help them make positive changes in their lives.
When I reached high school six years ago, I was very committed to my family and school work. Then I became involved in many negative things. I made friends and developed bad habits that influenced my life and I became a bad son to my parents.

I became involved with gangs and started hurting people even if there was no reason. I become numb because of my bad lifestyle and was even involved with drug dealers and used to do their drops because I didn’t want to steal anything from my parents. After a while, my bad habits started to catch up with me and I felt like my life was going backwards. My school work started to suffer and I often used to stay away from school.

Four years ago I was introduced to the GOLD Peer Education Programme through Ukuthasa. My friends and I decided to get involved and I have learned lots of positive things. After 2 years in the programme I decided to attend church with my parents. It was then that I took Jesus Christ into my heart. When I Iook back on the way I used to be, I can see that it is worth living your life with Jesus Christ.

This year, as a Lead Peer Educator, I have learned many important ways to address the issues that our youth are facing. With my experience I can motivate our youth to make positive choices. I know I still have a lot to learn and am always keen to learn more about how to address these issues.

I would like to continue the good work of GOLD by being a facilitator and letting children know that doing the wrong thing is not always the best way.