SCORE’s LivingSport Programme Co-ordinator Lucinda van den Heever, (29) from Cape Town has been awarded a prestigious Chevening Scholarship to study for a Masters degree in Gender and Development at the University of Sussex, England.
Lucinda began her career with SCORE as a volunteer in year 2002 working in Mitchells Plain and over the years progressed through the organization to become the LivingSport Programme Co-ordinator. Lucinda has been a key person for the Kicking AIDS Out Network over the last years, she has gone through the Training Latter, from starting as a Peer Leader, going through as a Leader Level 1 and a Leader Level 2 and contributing a lot in working groups a Master Trainer. We have asked Lucinda some questions about how she reached where she is now and her role related to Kicking AIDS Out. Read her answers below.
Name: Lucinda van den Heever
Age: 29
Organization you have been working for: SCORE
Current position: Masters Student studying Gender and Development at the Institute for Development Studies at Uni of Sussex in UK
How long have you been involved in the work of the Kicking AIDS Out Network? 4 years
What do you think about the work the Kicking AIDS Out Network has been doing in the years you have been involved?
I think the network is doing very important and vital work within the sport for development context. The most important work for me being a part of the network has been working with young people, watching them grow, learn, develop important life skills such as confidence and leadership skills and in turn going out into the community and conducting sports and Kicking AIDS Out activities for their peers and other young people. One very important story for me was seeing a young women who started off as a very shy and quiet girl and seeing her develop into someone who can stand up and speak and address a group of young people and lead sports activities. These kinds of experiences change someone’s life.
Another part of the networks work is developing leaders within the organisations that deliver Kicking AIDS Out Programs. I have had the privilege of experiencing this through attending trainings, seminars, conferences, having the opportunity to facilitate together with many other colleagues that I hold in high esteem across many parts of Africa as well as with north partners. It is a multicultural network where we learn and exchange ideas with each other, we learn and grow and we make lifetime friendships and connections. This creates a strong support network and life long learning for north and south partners.
What has the work related to the Kicking AIDS Out Network meant to you personally?
Wow, ALOT. I have definitely grown and changed within the network. The kinds of opportunities that I have had have really added to my life and I feel that it has helped me to grow both professionally and personally. Professionally I have gained a lot of confidence in facilitating and presenting Kicking AIDS Out in many parts of the world. Many things has challenged me but it was all part of the growth process. The people that I have met have really added to my character, has helped me to understand the world and to have a deep appreciation and respect for culture and diversity. I have made life long friendships and connections.
Would you still like to be involved in the Kicking AIDS Out Network in the future?
Yes for sure, I feel I have a contribution to make
What is your main advice to youth and members of various organizations in the Network for growing and developing towards reaching their goals?
You are the only person in your life who can make things happen for yourself. Value and protect your life, know that you are important and make use of the opportunities around you. It does not matter where you come from, the color of your skin, whether you from Africa or Europe but only you have the power to change your own life and make a success of your life. Ask for help if you need it, when people see your passion and commitment they will want to give you the opportunity.
Lucinda has played an integral role in developing and delivering the Kicking AIDS Out and gender programming as part of the SCORE LivingSport Programme. During her time with SCORE, Lucinda has worked in all SCORE communities in 5 provinces of South Africa as well as Nambia facilitating the Kicking Aids Out programme.
In 2003, as part of the South North Volunteer programme, which is an exchange programme between Norway and South Africa, Lucinda, earned herself a placement in Norway for eight months. On her return to South Africa, she coordinated and delivered the Active Youth Course to and U GO Girl coordinator in Western Cape. Lucinda has also trained Kicking Aids Out Leaders in other parts of the world, which included the Caribbean, Vietnam amongst others, she also attended the World Aids Conference in Toronto.
Each year, The British Council receives hundreds of applications for Scholarships throughout the world. Lucinda is one of only 16 people awarded this scholarship this year out of 300 applicants.
Stefan Howells, Executive Director for SCORE said “This is fantastic opportunity for Lucinda, and such a great achievement to secure the Scholarship. On behalf of SCORE and everyone that Lucinda has worked with, we wish her well in England. Lucinda has great passion, creativity and enthusiasm for gender development and this opportunity will further develop her personally and professionally.”
On reflection Lucinda said “SCORE has shaped me into the women I am today, the things that I see, the people I meet and the dedicated and passionate people that we have within the organization. I will not forget all that I have learnt within SCORE and will carry that with me to the UK. So many lessons learnt and so many stories to share.
I will forever be thankful for the wonderful opportunities that I have had. SCORE has exposed me to things that I would have never thought I would be doing and it has only assisted me to grow and be the best that I can be.”
Lucinda will return to SCORE in September 2009 after completing her studies.
For more information on SCORE and the projects visit www.SCORE.org.za.
