It was more than a job opportunity
At the beginning of 2023, a 44-year-old woman from Strand stood at a crossroad, deciding whether to seek employment or continue running her daycare – a decision not to be taken lightly. Fast forward to 2024, and she says it was the best decision she could have ever made – saying it was life-changing is an understatement.
“I dedicated 17 years to a company, earning a good salary. However, fate intervened, and for 8 years, health complications compelled me to stay at home and focus on my recovery from several operations.”
During her time at home, she started her own daycare centre, not for financial gain, but from an ardent desire to uplift others. Driven by an unwavering passion for children and a deep-rooted understanding of her community’s needs, she ventured into the realm of selfless service. Her service to the community was free of charge. As time passed and life happened, and she decided to look for a job to supplement her income and support her husband in contributing to the household.
“I was scrolling social media and saw this job opportunity by Community Keepers. I had no idea who they were and what the job entailed. I just applied. And I believe it was a blessing from the Lord.
“Amanda called me the same day and asked if I was still interested in the job. I told her I’m not sure what this call is about and what the job entails. She was very nice and took about 20 minutes to explain the position and program to me – and in that moment, I appreciated her compassion and kindness. I thought to myself, who would have the patience and take the time to explain it when I can’t even remember what they applied for. But she was patient with me.”
This marked her introduction to CK and a journey that would redefine her perspective on life.
“I was then invited for training. After which, the recruitment process started. I really thought I would not meet the criteria,” she says.
Taking a deep breath followed by a soft sigh of relief, she confessed that she went into the training broken. “I never realized how hurt and how broken I was,” she says calmly.
“I had a difficult childhood engulfed in abuse—physical, sexual, and emotional. My sister was raped and murdered at the age of 15, and she was my everything. I thought I was over the trauma of my childhood and experiences, but I wasn’t.
“The training pointed that out to me and helped me work through that trauma because my emotions had been suppressed for years. When we went through the course and role-played about our emotions, it really restored me. It was like a switch that was just switched on, and I experienced life differently. I then realized that I was getting well.”
“The emotional healing throughout the whole process was the biggest gain for me; its value is more than what I earn financially.”
She points out that the training also shed light on other aspects of her life and the different roles she plays in her family setting. “It made me realize that as parents, we are not always right and helped me to listen more to my children.”
“It was remarkable and pleasant when my 12-year-old son said to me one day: ‘Mommy, you have changed; you listen to me, and that makes me happy. I have a new mommy.’ My husband and daughter also noticed that I behaved differently towards them, and through the ‘new me’, our relationships also improved. I could talk to my husband about everything and share my feelings with him more comfortably.
“Community Keepers has not only changed my life but that of my entire family. Our family bond is strong; our communication is better – we listen to each other more – and we are more patient with each other.
“I told my husband I don’t care if I get the job or not because through the training, I won more than I would if I got the job.”
Reminiscing on her experience with CK makes her wonder how different her life would be if there was an organisation like CK 30 years ago. Perhaps her sister would still be alive.
“But I’m glad CK exists today because 30 years from now, society will be a better place, a place where children can be spared more grief.”