After surviving the social ills and crimes that plagued her as a teen, a young northern areas teacher is paying it forward and going back to her alma mater to mentor young girls to ensure they remain focused on their goals.
Rochenda Boswell believes that had it not been for the positive influence and guidance by her teachers at Chapman High School, she would not have attained her teaching qualification from Nelson Mandela University.
Hence, the 22-year-old jumped at the opportunity to return to the school as a teacher and to improve the lives of five of the school’s female pupils, as well as five others from Gelvandale High School, through the Vision4Women mentoring programme.
“Chapman’s motto is ‘Goodness before Greatness’, and I can proudly say Chapman High laid a good foundation for me. I am on my way from goodness to greatness.
“I went to school surrounded by all the conflict in my community, and decided not to get involved.
“Instead of letting it affect me negatively, I used it as motivation to turn a negative situation into a positive one.”
She was part of the Vision4Women programme six years ago, during her matric year.
The programme aims to inspire and empower women and girls to reach their full potential, lead meaningful lives and become change-makers, regardless of their background and circumstances.
The holistic mentorship programme matches grade 10-12 pupils with female mentors who provide guidance, encouragement and support throughout the school year.
“Vision4Women took me under its wings and enriched and empowered me to believe I was destined for greatness.
“My mentor, Sandisiwe Ncemane, played a huge role in moulding and helping me apply to university and for funding.
“My parents did not have the financial means to pay for my studies.
“However, the godly principles, morals and values the programme instilled in me, as well as the lessons, love and support, shaped me and for that, I will be eternally grateful.”
In matric she knew she wanted to become a teacher but was not sure which path to take.
“The Vision4 Women programme really pushed me and gave me a new perspective on life.
“It made me want to change my thinking, and how I perceived things, and just do better.
“The programme changed my life, and I would like to do the same for others.”
As the new academic year starts, Boswell is signing up as a mentor.
“I never want to stop now.
“I would like to encourage all youth, especially the ones growing up in crime-ridden areas, to not allow your circumstances to break you, but to make you.”
In 2022, she represented Nelson Mandela University in Germany for a summer school programme, where she learned the German language and culture.
“I passed my German exam with an A-aggregate, and in the same year, I graduated cum laude.”
She is also involved in her Gelvandale church’s youth programme, which she said plays another major role in developing the youth.
She found inspiration in a quote by motivational speaker Jim Rohn, who said, “if the WHY is powerful, the HOW is easy”.
“This remains a driving force in my life today.
“I believe in being the change in my community by creating a better future for myself and helping other young people to believe and be driven towards their goals and dreams.”
HeraldLIVE
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