Help me #RecodeMyFuture

My name is Charlton Adams, from a small town called Mamre, located outside of Cape Town. I am studying Software Engineering at WeThinkCode_.

Two years ago I received my high school diploma and immediately enrolled at the University of Western Cape. Unfortunately, after only my first semester my financial situation forced me to deregister because I could not afford the traveling expenses, living expenses and daily cost of living any longer.

My mom is a single mother and has been for my entire life, she has three children, me being the eldest. She is unable to work due to severe depression. We rely on her disability grant as our main source of income. Thus, I have always had to rely on external help to get to where I am today.

About 6 months ago, after almost a year of failed attempts of looking for work and/or the help to continue my studies, I stumbled upon WeThinkCode_. They are an educational institution that specialises in Software Engineering, they offer a two-year tuition-free course with job placement upon completion of the course. After passing their online test, I got to the first of 3 bootcamps, which then seemed like another missed opportunity because of my financial circumstances. I needed money for food, traveling and other daily living expenses. Luckily for me I discovered that they’re campus was open 24/7, this meant I only needed a minuscule amount to get there and back once the 4 weeks over. I went to a few of my old high school teachers and they pitched in to help me get through these 4 weeks. Through a lot of effort and struggle I made it into the course, which started 3 months ago.

Ever since then I have been in search of a part-time job and/or financial aid to help me cover my living expenses like food, transport, clothes and other basic necessities. Finally, I stumbled upon this funding site and decided to give this a try because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I want use to change not only my future, but that of my family, my small community and others in the same situation as me.

I believe in the goodness of humanity, that is why I always strive to do my best despite the challenges that I’ve met up until now. By succeeding I can add to that goodness. I have so many dreams and plans for the future but all of them start with me successfully completing this course.

Asking for help is never and has never been easy but I am at a point where I’ve realised, to get to where I want one day, I need to start being honest with myself if I am to meet my goals.

Thank you for taking the time to read a part of my story. I will be eternally grateful for your help.