“We have to keep the children quiet in the lines, we have to check that they aren’t being naughty,” explains 13-year-old Aiden. Aiden is describing his exciting new role as a leader at Laerskool Nylstroom. Aiden has just been elected to the leadership council, but his journey to becoming a leader began some time ago. Aiden’s house-mother, Angelique van der Westhuizen, emotionally shares, “Aiden is a child who – in spite of everything that happened to him – chose to take a different path and to follow his own example.” She describes him as very responsible, self-sufficient, and academically gifted, with a deep love for God. “It’s a joy for me to have him around,” she adds.

Aiden is more reserved in describing himself, saying he is still discovering who he is. While he isn’t yet sure what he’d like to do after school, his passion for sports shines through. He has been participating in rugby, cricket, athletics, and soccer for as long as he can remember. Aiden is also very committed to his schoolwork, with Angelique revealing he is amongst the top students at Laerskool Nylstroom.

Aiden credits the discipline instilled in him at Abraham Kriel with helping him develop his leadership skills. The help he gets with his homework has also been very useful. When asked about his message for other children, Aiden is practical and to the point: “You must do well in your schoolwork, and you mustn’t be naughty.”

As Aiden continues to grow into a confident young man, we look forward to seeing him flourish. Here’s to Aiden, and to the young leaders everywhere who inspire others with their determination and courage!