When The Love Of Children Met Teaching And Humanitarianism- Brooklyn Masuku Happened.
By: Phakeme Mnguni
Leo Tolstoy once said “My piece of bread only belongs to me when I know that everyone else has a share, and that no one starves while I eat.”
This quote might be centuries old but it best describes the Millennial - Brooklyn Masuku.
He describes himself as an award winning Durban based creative, a Bold and Authentic person, digital Content lover, Educator, foodie and a human being, that has a bubbly and energetic personality to be around.
Be that as it may, there's a humanitarian within him and a lover of children- which is why he ventured into foundation phase teaching.
“I believe that there's a humanitarian within me. It doesn't start here, I have been giving back to others previously. Primary school " Fun raising " and high school " Fun raising ". Then giving back to other kids. I love children, I've grown up within a family of many kids. I would take care of them and seeing a smile on their face, was always evidence that I did good things for them.
He continued..
"I believe that kids are the future, it's my priority with the little power I have to give back to the kids. I believe I need to take care of the kids now, for a better future. These kids come from different disadvantaged backgrounds, I have a similar story myself, so if I can change their story, they can change the next generations story. With this initiative, I am increasing the awareness and I am going to do that every time I see, that a kid needs my help."
Brooklyn says he use to watch and marvel at his English teacher delivering her lessons, and funny enough he was also a teacher's pet as he use to excel in his in grades.
“Everyday, after school. I would gather my friends, we'd play ( teachers game ), pretend to be our teachers and we'd steal work sheets from the recycling bin and re- teach the kids from our community.
As much as my parents wanted me to be a teacher, I wanted to be within the Entertainment industry but then again, 2O21 for the love of kids. I then embarked on the foundation phase teaching. It's actually the childhood memories, which led me to the career I'm in.”
The unconditional love of Children inspired him to start an Initiative at a school where he teaches (Qondukuhle Primary School).
This initiative was dubbed as ‘The Kids Must Eat'.
The event was held earlier this month and he says it still gives him goosebumps to see how much strength those kids actually instilled in him, as they showed him that he can fulfil their needs and keep a smile on their faces.
“From the entertainment to the feeding process, I literally cried when I got home. Every kids well-being is important and for me to lay a hand in the goodness of their well-being, I am satisfied. It's actually an overwhelmingly positive feeling. " Happiness " !!!!!!”
Asked about the future plans for the #KidsMustEat initiative,Masuku says he plans to host the event in monthly or even better- yearly basis. However according to him that will be dependent on the feedback from sponsors.
He explains;
“Most definitely, 16 June ( youth month ) I just love young people, as young as I am. I enjoy being around energetic and adventurous kids. On the 16th of June 2O22, My dream is to feed more kids, within the community of umlazi. I want to do a school tour and give insightful talks about staying in school and the greatness of doing well in your grades, for a better future."
He went further and extended his gratitude for previous food outlets sponsorships.
“I'm grateful and thankful for the previous food outlet sponsorships. I'd be nothing without them.”
Should you be fortunate enough to lend a helping hand or chip in to his initiatives, get in touch with him. Below are his contactdetails;
Contact: 0828698580
Instagram: @brooklynmasuku
Twitter: @brooklynmasuku
Facebook: siyabonga brooklyn masuku
"I may not be where I wish to be, or where my heart desires, but I am in a position that God has lead me to. I know there's more from where this comes from and I will be patient with Gods timing. Nothing has been easy for my brand, or a walk in the park, but I am happier with the progress and productivity." - Brooklyn Masuku
