Given was in the right place at the right time! While handing out CV’s he approached a woman asking for help and she was exactly who he needed to meet!
Given was at a shopping mall in Fourways, Johannesburg handing out CV’s when a perfectly timed encounter helped him have a better day and possibly an even better year! Given approached the anonymous photographer and story-teller from ‘I Have A Name’, just another shopper in his eye’s, and asked for a little help to pay for two items of food.
Little did he realise what kind of influence she could have for him thanks to her motivational and uplifting Facebook page!
” Excuse me, ma’am …” he gets my attention as I grab a box of rusks and place it in my shopping trolley.
” I’m looking for work… I’ve handed out my CV to all the different shops around here… and I really need some food for my family today… could you help me buy some chicken and mielie flour? “
The talented photographer insisted he go pick out some other groceries and to meet her in the queue when he was ready. Given went off to make a selection of food for his family. Once in the queue a conversation started and Given shared his story.
” My name is Given. I was born in Limpopo – finished grade 11 and came to Johannesburg to look for work. I found work as a sales Rep at a shop in Broadacres selling sheets, linen, curtains etc. I worked for them for 8 years and then all of a sudden they just sold the business and left without telling their employees. There were 5 of us working there. It was owned by foreigners and they left the country. Now what am I supposed to do? I can’t follow them and demand my pay when they are no longer in the country.”
I have a wife and a child, Refilwe, that means God’s gift to us. In my culture when you get to be 21, 22… it is important that you have a child, but now I am embarrassed because I can’t even provide for my wife and child. Begging is humiliating, it brings down your selfconfidence and people look down on you. I have given out many copies of my CV and hope and pray that God has a plan for me. “
Shortly after meeting Given and taking his picture, the anonymous photographer posted his story online along with his contact information to help with the job search. The Facebook page has successfully helped many of the people featured in these uplifting and moving stories. There are already numerous comments on the post so hopefully soon we will have an update for you all!
If you would like to help Given please see his info here.
by 