Name: Katlego Motlabi

Province:Gauteng, Soweto

Facebook:kmotlabi5@gmail.com

Twitter handle:@motlabikat

Katlego Motlabi describes herself as passionate about children and their educational development. She is a mother to a soon-to- be 6 year old boy. She aspires to be a social worker and has served with City Year SA in 2009 and Grass Root Soccer 2010 as a life skills coach.

Why did you decide to be part of the ACTIVATE! Network?

As a result of having to drop out of UNISA due to financial difficulty I thought that rather than staying home a programme such as ACTIVATE! would grow my skills and knowledge.

What did you enjoy the most about training?

The networking and the sessions that we did helped me realise that my way of thinking can be broadened if I engage with people who have the same passion but different way of thinking.

How has training helped you or changed your perspective?

I always thought that things are very hard to be done especially serving the community but after meeting the Activators and seeing what they do in their respective communities made me realise it is all possible. I have learned that I should not only want to see change but I must be the very element of change in my community and country.

What do you think the role of the youth is in developing the country?

The main role is ACTIVE PARTICIPATION. As young people we are quick  to claim things but never willing to work hard to get them. We should involve ourselves in programmes,campaigns and programmes involving the youth as the saying goes ”NOTHING DONE FOR US WITHOUT US.”

What is your field of interest?

Social work majoring in psychology.

How are you driving change in your community?

I am part of ‘MyTownship School’ an organisation that serves schools with physical education programmes in line with the basic education curriculum. I am also a children’s church teacher at my local church. I would love to start a ‘ Prepare A Child For Higher Learning Education’ programme by introducing high school learners to the lifestyle,career choices and what to expact at varsity or in a college environment.

Now that you have completed training, how do you plan to keep active in the network?

Taking part in activities that the network has,working together with other Activators on their projects and involving them in mine.

What are your plans for this year?

Major major one is to go back to Unisa to finish my Social Work degree

How will you be involving the network in your plans?

If the organisation has any sponsors or programmes that can allow me to get financial assistance in a form of work,volunteering or sponsorship I would engage the network for such.

ACTIVATE! has opened the door to my imagination and now I plan to put action to my ideas and ambitions.