When Earthchild Project started many years ago, Sikelelwa (or Siki) was one of our very first earthchildren. Now 10 years later, she has become part of the Earthchild team, doing a gap year internship with us. Here is what this inspiring young lady had to say when we asked her a few questions.

Q. What makes you an earthchild?”
-I am an earthchild because I am happy, flexible and I care about nature.

Q. What does Earthchild Project mean to you?
-To me, Earthchild Project means transformation. Ever since I became involved with Earthchild Project, my life has changed completely. I have learnt to live in the present and I’ve gained so many skills on understanding and connecting with my body. Earthchild Project has taught me to accept what I have and change what I can, but mostly it has taught me to find peace within myself.

Q. Why did you want to be involved with Earthchild Project as an intern?
-I first of all wanted to be an intern at Earthchild Project because I love kids and yoga and additionally I wanted time to find my abilities, my skills and myself. And I wanted to do all of this while maintaining the connection I have with my body. Secondly I love the way Earthchild operates and the work they are doing. Lastly I wanted to be an intern at Earthchild because I have been part of their programme since I was a kid, and now I want to give back to my community.
Q. What are your tasks as an intern at Earthchild Project?
-As part of my internship I teach yoga to the earthchildren in Khayelitsha at Ntwasahlobo and in Lavender Hill at Harmony Primary. At these schools I have also assisted with setting up a young girls’ club.

Q. How has your experience teaching yoga been going?
-I really really enjoy teaching yoga to the kids. They are the most wonderful people I know. The classes are going very well and the kids are really amazing. Yes, there are some challenges here and there, but I am enjoying every moment of it!

Q. What do you plan to do when your time as an Earthchild intern is over?
-After my gap year internship I intend to go to university to study to be a vet and I plan to teach yoga and dance to the young kids in my community.

Q. Is this what you see yourself doing 10 years from now as well?
-Yes, in 10 years I hope I will have become a veterinarian doctor and I will have my own project working with young people and passing on the language of dance to them.

Thank you Sikelelwa for inspiring those around you!