My name is Vusumzi Ngaki. I stay in Harare, Khayelitsha. I am 23 years old.
In 2004 I met a wonderful lady named Carly while I was staying at the Homestead's Children's Home. I was leaving the Home because I was 18. In the sessions we had with Carly, she asked me what do I want to be in life? I told her I wanted to be a chef. Mamelani helped me to go to False Bay College where I studied to be an assistant chef. While I was studying, I worked briefly for a restaurant in town for about 4 months. I didn't cope well in that job. When I finished studying, I looked for other work, but I was struggling to find. In 2009 Mamelani offered me to go on an internship for 3 months at Manuka's, a restaurant in Steenberg. I proved myself there and showed them that I really wanted to work. When my internship was over they wrote me a reference letter that praised my work. Now I am on a 1 year contract at The Cape Peninsula Hotel. Project Lugisela s a powerful project that helped me and helps others who are part of the program to grow and be responsible for our lives. With all their support, I am now responsible for my life. I thank Project Lungisela and Mamelani for making me who I am today.
