As a young person who did not attend school for most of my teenage years, I was confronted with many challenges. In 2007, I was enrolled as a level 1 learner at the B.E.S.T Centre.

Having missed out on formal education because of my personal challenges, I found myself not being able to read and write .The B.E.S.T Centre created an environment that allowed me to experience a sense of belonging. At B.E.S.T Centre I was among other youth who had the same challenges as me. B.E.S.T Centre taught me to read through a programme called TOE by TOE. This programme focussed on individual needs and equipped me with reading skills. I feel very privileged and grateful that I was allowed to study at B.E.S.T Centre.

When I completed my LEVEL 4 in 2010 I left with skills that equipped me for life. I have passed all my learning areas and could enrol at FALSE Bay College where I am currently studying Tourism.

I am also working part time at Abseiling for Africa where I assist tourists with abseiling down Table Mountain.

B.E.S.T Centre’s educators are committed and hardworking and they always encouraged me to work harder.  They are responsible for most of the positive decisions I made and I am grateful and lucky to have had them in my life path.   

                                                                 ALLAN CLARKE