Dream, Imagine, Affirm

Day three of education week brought with it a new perspective regarding how we can reach out to others and empower them. Louis and Leone Van der Linde are two incredibly successful individuals with very intriguing backgrounds (The couple used to coach tennis professionals). On Wednesday morning, the two of them spoke to our group about their experiences reaching out to the youths of South Africa through the power of books. They have discovered a unique way to connect with students of all backgrounds by financially rewarding them as an incentive for reading various inspiring books. 

One particular student that the Van der Linde's have highly influenced was present to share his unique story with us. Once troubled and without hope for the future, the student found a new beginning when he developed a love for reading and discovery through a program set up by the Van der Linde's. This student now uses the money he receives from the program to go out and purchase new books that he can read for his own learning and growth.

The Van der Linde's live by the belief of "if you have abundance, you must give." They also believe that "you must create now what you seek to be." You dream, you imagine, and then you affirm those things. They explained to us that as financially successful individuals, it is their responsibility to give freely "with an open hand." 

I've always been a believer in the stimulating and enlightening influence of books, but it was very interesting to listen to how this rather ordinary everyday occurrence can be used to change and transform the lives of those in need of a dose of encouragement and inspiration.

Following our speakers for the day, another great surprise was presented to us. Garrett, one of our program leaders, informed us that stuck to the bottoms of our chairs were envelopes containing ten rand. One of the themes of the week has been the encouragement of pushing our boundaries to find new ways to help others. The power of one can be enormous when that power is in the right hands. Wednesday we were challenged to use those ten rand in any way we choose to make a difference in the life of someone. It will be fun to see how we all decide to use the money. Hopefully, we can use the lessons we learned from the Van der Linde's and discover for ourselves how giving a little can make a huge impact in the life of another.