From the Court of Despair to the Call of Justice

How one young woman’s journey from hardship to healing shows the power of faith, mentorship, and love in transforming South Africa’s youth through Courage Youth.

“From as early as kindergarten, I wanted to be a lawyer,” says Renolda Masala, her voice steady with conviction. Growing up in Orlando, South Africa, Renolda’s childhood was marked by struggle, hunger, conflict, and constant reminders that success wasn’t meant for people like her. Friends dropped out of school, others fell pregnant, and the hope of escaping poverty seemed distant.

Yet, within her, a small spark refused to die. She dreamed of becoming a lawyer, of staying pure, of breaking the patterns that held her community captive. What she needed was a sign that her dreams were valid, and that sign came in the form of Courage Youth.

It was during a school assembly in grade 10 that Renolda first heard about the organization that would change her life. Despite initial hesitation, she attended her first Courage Youth session and instantly felt at home. Here, she was heard, seen, and guided by mentors who believed in her potential. Life Coach Tumi, Ma’am Chris, Ma’am Mpumi, and Ma’am Thandi became the family she never knew she needed.

“Courage Youth wasn’t just a program, it was a family, a safe space to speak and be seen.”

Behind her confidence, Renolda was fighting silent battles at home. Tension with her mother grew so severe that plans were made to send her away. But Courage Youth stepped in, refusing to give up on her story. Life Coach Tumi intervened, bridging the gap between mother and daughter. Through her guidance, healing began, not just for Renolda, but for her mother too.

“Coach Tumi didn’t just save me; she helped heal my mother’s inner child.”

The experience taught Renolda that true transformation doesn’t stop with one person, it restores families, too.

Every member of the Courage Youth team left an imprint on her journey, Life Coach Tumi, the big sister who was gentle yet truthful, firm yet loving; Ma’am Chris, the “cool aunt” who provided wisdom and stability; Ma’am Mpumi, the calm, listening ear always ready with comforting advice; Ma’am Thandi, the joyful cousin whose laughter and encouragement brightened every day; and the late Managing Director Mr Mokhachane , remembered as a father to all — a man who reminded every child that their future mattered.

“Courage Youth is a body of excellence, every person plays a vital part.”

Courage Youth’s “five dimensions” opened Renolda’s eyes to who she truly was. She learned to resist peer pressure, believe in her worth, and live with purpose. Even after losing her father, the affirmations and teachings from Courage Youth sustained her.

“The files, the vision boards, I still read them. Even when life rains on them, they stand strong after the storm.”

Renolda teaching at Courage Youth

Her transformation wasn’t about changing her circumstances, it was about transforming her heart.

Having received so much, Renolda began to pour it back. She served as a mentor at Lofentse, guiding other children with the same love and discipline she had received.

“This journey stopped being about me,” she explains. “The children were watching, so I had to live what I was taught.” Through mentorship, she mirrored God’s love and proved that every healed child becomes a healer for others.

Renolda's appointment with family and Ma'am Tumi

Today, Renolda is living her childhood dream, an attorney determined to fight for justice. She credits her success to God’s grace and the Courage Youth foundation that nurtured her faith and purpose.

Her message to young people is clear:

“If you’re the first in your family to succeed, it will be hard — because you’re breaking chains. But I am proof that you can do it”

And to her younger self, she whispers gratitude:

“Thank you for hanging in there. You’ve faced storms, but you overcame them.”

Courage Youth continues to be a sanctuary for hundreds of young people — a place of healing, belonging, and transformation. Through mentorship, life coaching, and spiritual growth, the organization restores not only individuals but entire communities.

It is a living testimony that when one child is shown love and belief, a generation is changed.

“We won't give up. We rise. We believe.”

In every classroom, in every mentoring session, in every heart that dares to dream again , Courage Youth is rewriting the future of South Africa, one courageous story at a time.

Learn more about encompassKid's Courage Youth program at www.CourageYouth.org