I. Introduction: Satsope George Makola’s Inspiring Journey
In the heart of Limpopo, South Africa, a young man with a vision is transforming the educational landscape of his community.
Satsope George Makola, a 27-year-old resident of Bakoneng village, Limpopo, has become a local hero for his unwavering commitment to providing quality education to the youth within the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality.
Makola is the founder of the Lesedi Institute of Education and Development (LIED), an online learning hub he established in 2021 to bridge the digital education gap and offer valuable resources to learners in his community.
II. The Quest for Quality Education
Makola’s mission is clear: to make free, quality education accessible in the rural villages of Limpopo.
He firmly believes that this endeavor will significantly enhance grade 12 results in the province.
He recognized a critical need when many learners in his community struggled with digital learning and faced challenges during school closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The majority lacked essential learning materials like study guides, dictionaries, and computer literacy.
III. The Genesis of Lesedi Institute
In 2021, LIED initiated a book collection drive that proved immensely successful, gathering more than 2,000 books, magazines, and newspapers within a span of three months.
Following this achievement, the institute approached Bakoneng community leaders with a unique proposal:
to convert a dilapidated two-roomed house into a small community library.
Today, the Lesedi Library stands as the sole community library in the village, serving as a valuable educational resource.
IV. Community Impact
The Lesedi Library operates on weekdays from 10:00 to 20:00 and on weekends and public holidays from 10:00 to 15:00.
Its reach extends to 530 learners from Mogobelala Primary School, 168 from Mokgoko Primary School, 460 from Phuthikwena Secondary School, 325 from Makelepeng Secondary School, and numerous members of the community.
With 710 registered patrons benefiting from reading initiatives, research, homework support, book borrowing, internet access, and basic computer skills lessons, LIED has become a lifeline for education.
V. The Catalyst: Makola’s Educational Journey
Satsope George Makola’s passion for quality education stems from his own challenges.
After completing matric in 2014, he faced the daunting task of applying for student funding and tertiary institution admission.
Frustrated by the lack of information, he moved to Gauteng in 2015 to secure employment.
Despite managing to enroll for a qualification in criminal law at a private college, financial constraints forced him to drop out.
Makola’s determination remained unshaken, and he attempted another educational journey in 2019, this time gaining admission to study for a Bachelor of Law at the University of South Africa.
However, the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his plans. With schools and public libraries closed, he found himself jobless after being retrenched.
This challenging period led to the inception of LIED as a response to the educational gaps created by the pandemic.
VI. Community Support and Accolades
LIED sustains its operations through donations from generous supporters, including Jacob Modiba Attorneys and Mount Horeb Fire Ministry church.
The organization’s dedication has not gone unnoticed, earning it numerous accolades, including the 2022 Community Builders of the Year Award from the Collen Mashawana Foundation, finalist status in the 2022 DSTV Enriching Lives Competition, the Sunday World Unsung Hero 2023 recognition, and a nomination in the 2023 South African Heroes Awards.
LIED also proudly holds the title of 2023 Member of Queen’s Commonwealth Trust.
In conclusion, Satsope George Makola’s journey from personal struggles to community empowerment through education serves as an inspiring example of the positive impact that one individual can have on their community and the future of young learners in rural South Africa.
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