BY Vanessa Mpatlanyane and Nkosazana Ngwadla
Vanessa is a sociologist who started Ubusha Bami, a registered Mbombela-based NPO with the purpose of effectively catering to adolescent health needs especially those focusing on sexual and reproductive health matters.
“I am proud of the work we do at and through Ubusha Bami. Seeing effort = impact is absolutely unmatched. Yesterday UB got to be part of @Seymore du Toit & Basson’s initiative to encourage matric students from Mbombela schools to be their absolute best. The session focused on the power young people have to be change-makers . As UB we emphasized the impact of sexual and reproductive choices on one’s life course, and how mentorship allows one a glimpse into the future which may prove effective in making wise choice in the present moment. Young and old, novice and master …these collaborations are crucial.
In true UB style, we emphasized this point by doing what we do best … design original educational-entertainment!
For this session we designed and facilitated an activity that required team work, collaboration and support. Of the many things I have learned in my journey as an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation-funded PhD student and member of the HUMA – Institute for Humanities in Africa family, collaboration has to be one of the most significant.
Quality team work really does make the dream work! I carry this lesson (turned skill & ethic) with me in other spaces too, my community engagement and public speaking appointments included!
The temptation to go at things alone will always taunt you. Fear of embarrassment for not knowing, imposter syndrome and even your ego may stop you from accepting help and walking confidently into opportunities set up for your growth. As if that weren’t enough threat, a voice inside you may remind you of all the reasons you are undeserving of the seats you occupy. Truth be told… challenges inside and outside of us are never in lack. So what do we do?
We accept that a teachable willing spirit and temporary novice status are the price we pay for growth, learning and mastery. We accept that we must learn from others and supplement our strengths with theirs. We activate our collaboration bone!
Do it! Be a novice! Be teachable! Traverse boundaries on the back on collaboration! Pay the price! Why? Because your greatness is what you get in return.
Image: LinkedIn
