Today, he lives in the eastern suburbs of Johannesburg east.<\/p>\n
The Rand Aid Association employee took eight years to achieve his bachelor of social work degree through Unisa.<\/p>
Social work interested Lucky from a young age.<\/p>\n
The graduate said domestic abuse was common in his family.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis motivated me to pursue a career where I could assist and empower people to help themselves and change their circumstances.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was motivated to do social work because I want to help people deal with the social ills that prevent them from reaching their potential,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
His degree did not come easily.<\/p>\n
He enrolled in 2010, but did not finish as quickly as planned because of a host of challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my first year, I discovered that I had taken the incorrect modules,\u201c said Lucky.<\/p>\n
Family problems forced him to take a gap year in 2012.<\/p>\n
In 2016, he was dropped by the organisation that had agreed to place him for his practical work, and as a full-time security guard, he was constantly under pressure to complete his practical modules on time.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n What mental health patients should do during lockdown<\/a><\/p>\n Covid-19: Things to consider during lockdown<\/a><\/p>\n \n \u201cThe theory aspects of my studies presented far fewer challenges,\u201d said Lucky.<\/p>\n \u201cIn 2018, I managed to complete at least two practical modules and deregistered one due to time constraints.”<\/p>\n In 2019, Lucky succeeded in completing the remaining practical module.<\/p>\n Balancing work, family and studies took much manoeuvering for the graduate.<\/p>\n \u201cFresh from a night shift, I would have to either attend Unisa supervision sessions, report for my practical work at the placement organisation or attend Unisa workshops.<\/p>\n \u201cOften, I went without sleep. I also did not see as much of my family as I would have liked,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Lucky joined Rand Aid\u2019s security team in August 2007.<\/p>\n \u201cRand Aid has been extremely supportive.<\/p>\n \u201cThey intervened in 2013 when I battled to pay my tuition,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n The association assisted Lucky financially until 2016.<\/p>\n They also arranged for him to work night shift only and get three consecutive days off to accommodate his studies.<\/p>\n When the coronavirus restrictions are eased, the graduate plans to register with the South African Council for Social Services Professions.<\/p>\n For now, he is playing an essential role at Rand Aid in helping to keep the residents of the NPO\u2019s retirement villages and care centres safe in the face of the global pandemic.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Busi Vilakazi (Journalist)\u00a0busiv@caxton.co.za.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Also follow us on:<\/p>\n
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