Nonhlanhla started working for African Impact in September
of 2009, where she was employed as a cook in the busy volunteer kitchen. Before
coming to St Lucia, she had been trained at Phinda Private Game Reserve, a
prestigious lodge in the area. Despite being trained at a five-star lodge,
Nonhlanhla loved cooking for the volunteers straight away.
“The meals that I’m making here are more African, which I
like cooking,” she explains.
After running the kitchen for a number of years, Nonhlanhla
got the opportunity to head out on our projects as she helped with the
formation of the Mothers’ Support Group at Malibongwe Creche.
“I feel more comfortable outside,” Nonhlanhla laughs; saying
that although she has a passion for food and cooking, the realisation that she
had the potential to do both was an exciting one. She now shares her time
between catering for the volunteers and helping her community through projects
like support groups and Reading Club.
Her favourite part about being out on projects is teaching
people about what’s happening in their lives when they do not understand
themselves. “Support group members are gaining a lot of knowledge, and the
volunteers are teaching a lot about why things are happening in our lives,”
explains Nonhlanhla.
Whether she’s working out in Khula and Ezwenelisha or here
in our kitchen, Nonhlanhla says she’s “so proud” to be a part of the African
Impact team and all the good things being done.
“Wearing that t-shirt with the badge, I feel so proud even
in the taxi! It’s not just a restaurant – no – we’re helping my community!”
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