Ntobeko Ngcamu has been working for PeacePlayers – South Africa for almost its entire existence. He joined the organization back in 2003 as a coach and now oversees the life skills program. Recently, a group of individuals who are familiar with Ntobeko’s dedication to the organization, including former PPI-SA fellows, combined resources to award Ntobeko with a two-year bursary which enables him to pursue a degree in social work at the University of KwaZulu-Natal . The program commences in February 2013. Upon hearing the great news, Ntobeko wrote a thank you letter to those who have supported him. We feel his letter highlights the strength and bond of PPI family and the power of the program to change and enhance lives. A copy of the letter follows:
After joining PPI-SA in 2003 as a coach, Ntobeko Ngcamu now coordinates the life skills program and hopes to pursue a university degree with the bursary he has received.
To Whom It May Concern:
Greetings, I trust this note finds you well.
I’m Ntobeko Ngcamu and I would like to extend a sincere thank you for the great help that you have given to enable me to further my studies. I want you to know that I will do everything I can, to use this opportunity to achieve my Dream.
I grew up at Umlazi Township in Durban, KwaZulu Natal, living with my big family in one house. At the time, education was not as important and there were not many opportunities. There was a lot of peer pressure, crime, violence, lack of drive and most of my peers dropped out of school. I knew that if I wanted to be successful, I had to stay in school because of the value of a good education.
While I was still discovering myself, I joined PeacePlayers International as Basketball Coach in 2003 as I wanted to get more involved in helping develop youth in my community. Growing up in the township, I knew the challenges that the youth were facing on daily basis because I had been through the same challenges. I started getting more involved in the Life Skills Program and in 2007 I was appointed as a Life Skills coordinator and I have learned and achieved so much. Helping my community and seeing the difference I was making and being with PeacePlayers International helped me to discover “MY INNER ME” and this is when I knew exactly what I want to become.
With the funds that you raised for me, I’m going to pursue a Social Work
degree. I am confident that all the experience that I received from PeacePlayers International will help me stay motivated to finish my degree and come back to serve PeacePlayers International and my community.
I will give everyone who has supported my education a quarterly update on my progress. I assure you that this will not interfere with my role at PPI however I hope that this can enhance what I already do at PPI.
Again I just want to extend my gratitude and to let you know I’m really honoured with the opportunity.
Thank you
Ntobeko Ngcamu
Ntobeko in a silly hat.
From all of us at PPI-SA and PPI sites around the world, we wish you good luck in your new endeavors Ntobeko!
