Rita Helli’s visit to South Africa as a Star for Life Ambassador, where Sigma Technology supports schools, was something really transformative. From the moment she stepped into the school entrance, she was met with warmth, energy, and a sense of community that left a lasting impression. The trip challenged her expectations, showing the incredible resilience and determination of students, teachers, and alumni who work tirelessly to uplift their communities. For Rita, it wasn’t just a journey but a reminder of what truly matters: human relations, purpose, and giving back.
After a thorough onboarding and formal WhatsApp introductions, I anticipated encountering reserved and kind yet shy learners and staff at the South African schools we were visiting. Contrary to my expectations, we were warmly welcomed everywhere from the very first moment.
We visited three schools supported by Sigma Technology: Mmemezi High School, Nibela Primary School, and Nompondo Primary School. The staff welcomed us like long-time friends or relatives. The learners eagerly approached us, wanting to talk, perform, teach Zulu, play netball, take selfies, or show off their homemade creations. They were incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Based on the photos and seminars held by previous ambassadors, I expected schools to be in less good shape than the ones in Europe and assumed that many things we take for granted—like proper clothes, shoes, water, food, paper, and pencils—would be luxuries here. And yes, I was right about all these. I heard that the community means everything to them, but now I know I didn’t understand its importance before we went there.
While visiting the schools, meeting a group of university students who go back to their alma mater to support the undergraduates in their career paths, and getting to know the dedicated staff of the South African Star for Life (SfL) team, I understood that human relations, cooperation, creativity, empathy, good intention, respect towards each other, determination and pride can provide access to many needed resources. It was heartwarming to see how even the youngest kids support each other and speak up for the weaker or more silent ones.
They all know that they are never alone as long as they belong to a community that serves as an extended family for them. They learn so that they can serve their community. They will choose a job or learn a trade with the necessities of their communities in mind. The university students go back to their previous high schools to give something back to the community, which made it possible for them to continue their studies.
Kids aspire to be doctors, teachers, social workers, or hairdressers because that’s what their community needs.
No matter who we talked to, they expressed their immense gratitude for Sigma’s financial and physical support. However, what matters equally as much to them is that there are people at the other end of the world who think of them and who work hard not only for their own well-being but also to provide better chances to these underprivileged kids in South Africa.
Although some of my expectations turned out to be false, I don’t mind at all. I’m very grateful for the impressions I received instead. These little kids, their teachers, coaches, the SfL staff, and the university students made me re-evaluate what really matters in life.
