Before I finished school, my teacher heard about a learnership at I Can! for people with a disability. She referred me and nine other girls to the academy for possible enrolment. The first learnership I completed was Domestic Services (NQF Level 1). It was an awesome experience, I learned so much and had facilitators who believed in me. When my course was completed, I stayed at home for a couple of months, hoping for an opportunity to do something.

Out of the blue one day Desiree Mthanti (Recruitment Officer) called me and asked me if I was interested in studying Business Practice (NQF Level 1). I was so grateful and immediately accepted. I learned even more during this year, preparing me for the future. Again after the learnership, I found myself hoping and praying for an opportunity to study again. With the help of my mum, I started applying in different workplaces for a job, but with no luck. Little did I know that life had even more for me than I could imagine.

I received a phone call from Charles Robinson (General Manager for Adcorp Technical Training) asking me if I was interested in calling students to partake in various courses (boiler making, electrical and welding). On my fourth week there, Mr Robinson called me to the boardroom. I was so frightened – thinking the worst – only to find out instead that he was offering me a position as a receptionist. I was so excited; I could not believe this was happening to me. I signed my contract in January 2014.

Thanks to I Can! and Mr Robinson for giving me this opportunity and believing in me. The lesson I have learned in these three years is to make the most of everyday and every opportunity because they prepare you for where you are heading in life.

Full Name: Shoughbon Dominique Smith

Age: 23

Highest Grade: Senior Phase (At Forest Town Special School)

Disability: Physical Disability (Limping) which was caused by meningitis

Facilitators who taught me: Gontle Moswane for Domestic Services and Zamile Vumazonke for Business Practice

My role model: Gontle Moswane (Facilitator at I Can). She inspires me to be a better person.

She was patient in bringing out the best in me that I couldn’t see and she is always there for me when I need someone to talk to.

My motto in life: To Never give up in life.