An opportunity not wasted.

“When life gives you an opportunity to learn, grab it with both hands. When life throws you, a baton grabs it, run tirelessly to the finish line.”

Vusi Mthembu is a Project coordinator within Incema Non- Profit Organisation. Joined the organisation In April 2022

I am a lifelong learner, during 2018 I was invited to go and do a motivational talk to young boys from different schools and communities. That was my first encounter with Incema and it turned out to be the beginning of a healthy professional working relationship.I was surprisingly invited more often and this was shocking as I am someone who has recently been released from prison. Incema shaped my character they gave me a second chance in life, they never judged me nor asked me what was I in for.

In 2019 I was part of their programs and what an exciting journey it was, I then decided to register my own organization, Mrs Ngcobo and Ms Shezi mentored me, they were there every step of the way guiding me. When #preventionbegins@home was about to be launched I was invited by Incema to be part of the workshop we had so many workshops discussing the content and the final day of the launch I was part of the big event which attracted many people from all walks of life.

In 2020, I was part of the launch of Boyservation a program that gives young boys to converse amongst themselves Incema never left me out on this important launch. As the journey continues still in 2020, I was invited to their father and son program, I benefitted a lot from all the said programs, my organization is up and running today because of Incema. When they were launching, She Can they also invited us and we brough young girls who also benefited from She Can.

2020/2021 was a challenging year for all of us but Incema continued to offer their services of which we also benefited a lot and the communities they serve. In April 2022 I joined Incema as a Project Coordinator for the crisis relief project and I am thrilled at the passion and ambition I see within the organisation. I am learning a lot.