Thanks for this amazing chance

My experience with the Heartlines Leadership Academy was tremendous - I mean absolutely great.

I learned so much in the whole week; I couldn't believe how one could learn so much within such a short period of time.

The leadership academy was so educational and at the same time fun, and each day we had a topic. For the first time in my life I actually never felt judged or unwanted - I felt so great and special. Everyone at the academy was so friendly and welcoming.

Being away from the big noisy city was quiet and peaceful. Despite the quiet and peaceful part, it was such an honour to be in a place that is surrounded by so much history and beauty. I got to know about the war between the British and the Zulus, who bravely fought for the land.

It's amazing how these British and the Zulus lost their lives just to own the land. I really salute the two groups.

We also went to the Great Mountain which is called Isandlwana. It was great to see it because usually you hear about these places on TV and read about them in books.

I was really happy to see the Isandlwana mountain, it looked so beautiful.

The other thing I really loved was the hotel we stayed in, it was beautiful. I felt like a queen, the rooms were great and so was the food.

On the first day we learned about awareness, the second day about focus, the third about creativity, the fourth about integrity, the fifth day about perseverance and on the last day we did service.

We learned to be aware of our surroundings and ourselves, like plants, environment and issues around us and things that affect us.

We had to focus on our goal and mission and on what we want in life.

We learned about being creative using our imagination and ideas.

We learned about remaining truthful and honest to ourselves.

We learned that through bad and good, you should not let anything put you down .

We learned to serve and to be served and to appreciate those who serve you.

It was amazing how these six words could expand to so much learning and meaning - how they could make such a difference and impact in someone's life. What I have learned didn't just affect my life but many people's lives - my classmates and the other kids at the centre. I am very grateful to all that made it possible for me to be part of the leadership because I could have taken the wrong path if I didn't attend the academy.

I would like to thank the facilitators who made sure that we were happy and that we learnt our best, which were Kim, Quinton and Olefile, not forgetting Michael and Taryn.

Heartlines (and Columba 1400) are doing great by empowering young children around the world to know who they are and what they want in life. Keep up the good work!

Other than that all my academy days were fabulous.

I loved and enjoyed every day of the academy and everything I learned. I thought I was not so good in teaching others but I was so wrong because I taught many, and those I taught are now teaching others.