The following story is written by Naomi Engelbrecht, Chief Operations Officer at The Message Trust South Africa.
Yesterday, I was chatting with Candice, and she shared a story that completely stopped me in my tracks—a story too beautiful, too powerful not to share.
It’s about a young girl who’s been coming to the Parkwood hub for just over a year. When she first arrived, she was 11 years old and completely non-verbal. Not just shy—she wouldn’t say a single word to anyone.
Fast forward one year.
After months of coming to the hub, working alongside Candice and the team, everything has started to shift. She now laughs, interacts with other children, and even speaks. Slowly but surely, her confidence is growing in ways that once seemed impossible.
Candice shared how, at first, this young girl was even afraid to pick up a pen. Just last week, she sat with one of our education tutors, proudly learning to write the first two letters of her name. That small act is no small feat—it represents trust and progress.
When she joined us, she was still enrolled in a mainstream school that wasn’t fully equipped to support her unique needs. Through ongoing conversations and careful intervention, Candice discussed with her family the benefits of transitioning her to a special needs school, where she’s now receiving the specialist support she deserves.
And then yesterday, at our Genetik Sessions Parkwood Showcase, I had the absolute joy of meeting her for the first time.
She introduced herself to me, spoke to both me and my daughter with confidence, and even took part in the performances. Not only that—she won an award and danced on stage, surrounded by a community that celebrates her.
I watched her, and I couldn’t help but feel a mix of awe, pride, and gratitude.
Candice, you and the team at Parkwood are doing something incredible. You’re not just running a hub—you’re changing lives. And for this young girl, your belief in her has sparked a transformation none of us will ever forget.
This is why we do what we do.
This is why safe spaces matter.
And this is why stories like hers need to be told.
