Community leaders like Jonathan Maliboho, 23, are not discouraged by challenges – they are driven by them.
Maliboho saw an urgent need to educate children who would otherwise be on the streets of his own Alexandra township. So, he started Hlalefang, a chess club that means “Wise Up” in Northern Sotho.
The social, recreational, and academic value of what he calls “the game of wits,” is what the club uses to bring out the best in its community. The young learners range in age from 8 to 18.
For the 200 children, and 20 local schools that Maliboho works with, there’s an opportunity for learning in every move.
In 2016, Maliboho was named Lead SA’s Hero of the Year, and Expresso’s Mandela Monday Hero. He has also been appointed the GM of Donate a Piece – a non-profit company that uses chess for developmental purposes at schools and in public areas across South Africa.
And for those who have doubts about the abilities of introverts to rally the masses, be inspired: Maliboho is a self-admitted introvert. He believes that turning beliefs into actions is how we can all make a difference.
He may be shy, but he’s changing the world – one piece at a time.
|The best advice I’ve ever been given is to be honest with myself before anyone else.|
