Boitumelo ‘Charlotte’ Malia’s life was turned around when she sailed the ‘Clipper Round The World Yacht Race’ in 2015-16 as the Rainbow Foundation Ambassador.
Boitumelo ‘Charlotte’ Malia lost her parents and was sent to live with her extended family as a young girl. At age 11, she decided to leave them as she was not being treated very well. She moved back to her parents home out of fear that it was falling apart without care.
She found out about a programme called OVC (Orphans and Vulnerable Children). The programme allowed school kids go to do their homework and play together. It was this programme that introduced her to the team from Ndlovu Care Group. From there she also joined their choir.
It was through the Ndlovu Care Group that Charlotte became involved with the Rainbow Foundation. She is now an ambassador for the Foundation.
The foundation helped Charlotte pass her matric after her previous failed attempts and assisted her in becoming a nurse at a private hospital in Pretoria. They completely changed her life and gave her the opportunity to sail from China to Seattle.
She filmed a video to thank the foundation and Dirk Van Daele for the opportunities they have given her.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Ndlovu Care group and the Rainbow Foundation for giving me the opportunity to take part in the Clipper 2015-16 Round the World Yacht Race.”
“The organisation has changed my life. They assisted me in re-writing my metric where I had failed it five times before and they assisted me in studying in the Health Department where I took my basic Ambulance Assistant (course). I was so excited to register with the Health Professional Council of South Africa and I’m now a professional.”
“I’d like to thank Mr Dirk Van Daele and Dr Hugo Tempelman for giving me such an opportunity. I’m now working in one of the private hospitals in Pretoria in the emergency department, where I see every patient that comes in before they can be examined by any sister or doctor. I’m very excited and I’m looking forward to going back to my community to tell young people that giving up is not an option.”
Dirk was moved by her thankful video and in return, praised her journey and growth in confidence and ambition.
“There is a need to aspire to do more and the women of South Africa are driving change in the country. Charlotte represents a shining example, not only of perseverance, but also of the inspiration and opportunities that taking part in the Clipper Race provides to young people.
“Taking part in such a tough challenge, learning new skills and working so closely with people from all different cultures and backgrounds whilst growing in personal confidence provides powerful life lessons which our ambassadors take home with them and put to positive personal effect.”
The programme is now running for the third time. Dare To Lead, who runs the Rainbow Foundation, will continue to offer life-changing opportunities for young people to go beyond South Africa.
You can watch Charlotte’s video below.
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