Diamond - noun
/ˈdaɪmənd/
[uncountable, countable] a clear precious stone of pure carbon, the hardest substance known.
Diamond in the rough - proverb
A person who is generally of good character but lacks manners, education, or style; a rough diamond.
We all know diamonds as beautiful stones mostly connected to jewellery and are one of the hardest and unbreakable crystals. Diamonds are associated with health, representing long life, success and beauty. Some believe they bestow clarity and rationality on the wearer, while others believe they promise lasting romance. Still, others associate diamonds with inner peace, insisting that they represent harmony and beauty within and without.
On the other hand, we've got charcoal. Charcoal is associated with dirt, mines, soot, smoke, minimal oxygen, fire and wood. But charcoal can create beautiful things: it can be used in art, and we all love sitting by a fire with friends and family. And most importantly - diamonds are made from charcoal.
And that is what the diamond program is about: these kids living in Wolwerivier are seen as charcoal. The impoverished environment they live in is literally surrounded by charcoal, soot and smoke. But they are diamonds in the rough. They have all the potential needed to succeed in life, but they have not been given the opportunity to rise to the occasion. With the right circumstances, these kids can turn into diamonds - just like charcoal does.
The difficult environment they live in where there is abuse in many shapes and forms, broken homes, lack of education, almost no supporting family and friends that can provide them with the needed chances is the reason I started this program. To give these kids hope, confidence and empowerment. To let them dare to dream about the future. To find their passion and talent. Because we all deserve a bright future, with the world at our feet and all the stars aligning.
