A Very Big “Thank You” to the BESS Program

 A letter from Naledi, BESS Graduate

Hi All,

I hope this email finds you well. Time flies so quickly, I can’t believe that last year on this date I was in the BESS Program...many thanks to all of you at Interval House and the great women I met at the program and walked through till the end of two weeks! Can’t remember very well if today was the ‘mock interviews’, with the toughest interviewer I had ever faced: Fazia! It was a great experience, I learned a lot within the two weeks and the program helped me to rebuild my self-esteem and confidence that had been stolen away by my past life. Yes, after the two weeks I knew that I was ready to face the job market and say ...”here I am” with a great smile and not forgetting to speak slowly and to keep eye contact. (Fazia’s tips!) I followed through everything that I learned at the BESS Program and here I am now…check out my signature! October 18th I started with this organization that is so near and dear to my heart.

A lot has happened since September 13, 2010:

• October 18, 2010 I started my full time position as Administrative Assistant with the Foundation.
• November 22, 2010 I went for my Immigration hearing and I was successful.
• February 22, 2011 I received a beautiful apartment through partners of the BESS Program. 
• August 19, 2011 I travelled to South Africa to see my lovely daughters and my family that I had not seen for nearly three years.
• September 14, 2011 I received my permanent residence status!

It is with this email that I would like to give many thanks to all of you for the big role you have played and you are continuing to play in my life and my kids’. Your prayers, kindness, care and support have kept me going up to this day and I feel so grateful and blessed to know women like you. May God continue to use you to touch other women’s hearts, spread the message and fight the cycle of abuse.

I will leave you with one more piece of good news: I have raised $250.00 that I would like to donate to the BESS Program for the upcoming Image Consultant program!

With much appreciation,
Naledi Marope*
Administrative Assistant