“To Put Yourself in Someone Else’s Shoes.”

“To put yourself in someone else’s shoes.” 

A common idiom, but a powerful one. It’s hard to underestimate the importance of understanding the next person’s struggle.  Today at ORT SA we would like to tell Simangele Mthiyane’s and Gcinile Ntshangase’s stories – to foster this spirit of understanding.

First, let’s start with Gcinile Ntshangase’s experience. Here is what she had to say:

“My life started to have meaning the day I was given a chance to be with South32 and ORT SA. The stipend I received from South32 had come when it was really needed since, at home, I reside with my grandmother, and she is unemployed. My first payment [salary], I felt like a real breadwinner when I bought the food and used the other amount to buy myself some clothes. I am planning to build a house for my family since I am from a disadvantaged background and our houses are not in good condition. Thank you, ORT SA and South32, for giving me this opportunity.”

Simangele Mthiyane also had some words of gratitude in response to her experience with the South32 project:

 “I want to thank South32 for giving me the opportunity to serve as an educator assistant intern in Richards Bay. I have gained valuable insight into the education environment over the past three months because you gave me the opportunity to work on a variety of teaching activities; I had the chance to observe numerous aspects of teaching and learning; from lesson planning and presentation to marking and filling and ITC skills for teachers. My host school staff members have been extremely welcoming and helpful and offered me terrific career advice. This internship has definitely increased my interest in pursuing a career in Education. I hope to continue with this internship and get more advice on more steps I should take in the future to pursue a career in Education. Once again, thank you for a terrific experience and looking forward to more. 

Sincerely, S. Mthiyane”

The South32 Project has truly changed their lives for the better – which is what we truly aim to accomplish through Educating for Life. It is truly our privilege to always strive to make a difference in people’s lives. We’d like to thank South32 for being a part of this beautiful initiative.

Featured photo: Gcinile Ntshangase