Lynn Joseph | Daughters Of Destiny

Power Meeting @ DOD Library Club!

Lynn Joseph — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 18:00:14 +0000

Determined, feisty and ready to make money (Popcorn orders already in line). This was a funny moment for our staff. Entrepreneurs in the making, Thank you to Venturelab team for partnering with us. Well, it’s official that our DOD Library club has no time to waste.

2019 will surely be an exciting journey. These young women made it clear that they have no time to waste. Three of our girls will be taking a lead role at our younger club in term 2.

Topics they want to focus on first in 2019 are Relationships, Mental Wellness and presentation skills were top on their needs list. The bullying concern also raised some brows. When we discussed the possibility of joining the Ken-Fac Sports Athletic club girls ran to the mention.

Our club day has changed from Thursday to Wednesday and thanks to our wonderful partners, Kensington Library for hosting us again. Our registration process will take place next week 27th February and the following week. All girls aged 13- 18 welcome, limited place available.

Staff says…
Chantel “for me, it was great meeting the girls
The girls were so excited to be there as well as sharing ideas for what will happen this year #safespacesforgirls #lifeskills #exitingtimesahead
Lynn, “I don’t know, I thought this year we will be building slow and strong although the session was not slow at all. The confidence levels in the room had me silenced at some point. Now I need to go back to the drawing board and tighten my seat belt. There is a journey awaiting us in 2019.”
Anikah, “My first session with the older girls was awesome. The girls were clearly excited about everything that had to be discussed and came with their own agenda which I loved.”

Let us begin!

First for 2019!

Lynn Joseph — Wed, 20 Feb 2019 09:53:38 +0000

Registration kicks off and, we have the key in the ignition. Turned the key and the engine started with the first turn. Daughters of Destiny Factreton here we come.

Today at Factreton Primary we had an information/briefing session of who we are and, what we do. The admission process easily takes up to three weeks. Excited to fill up week by week.

We slowly set the pace for the year ahead and, slowly by no means suggest the pace we work at. It merely refers to the careful initiating process of creating safe spaces. Setting clear boundaries from day one. A new pledge is coming up and planning for the year.

Girls had many questions and are eager to start investing in THE DOD shop. Popcorn is top on the list and, a movie date of course.

Don’t forget the menstruation session we had too, So yes day

1 and already girls knowing who to ask and where to go!

Safe Spaces is a MUST!!!

Our team is READY
Chantel says “It was very interesting and fun, I am excited and expectant for the journey ahead!”
Anikah ” The first day of the programme I was extremely excited because I am finally getting the opportunity to work with the girls from the start and welcoming new girls into the program.”
Lynn ” Zoned in and ready! This year brings great new challenges yet greater promise, Empowered through education in 2018 now to apply! Watch the space many changes and projects will be tested! Change is as good as a holiday, I am ready!”

Founders heart…

Lynn Joseph — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 19:55:19 +0000

Tonight I find myself in vulnerable but safe space. Allowing myself to share my heart. I find my heart is saddened easily by the condition of my community. When walking to the Daughters of Destiny Clubs or doing house visits I sense an overwhelming fear gripping the hearts of people young and old. Lying awake at night thinking of ways we can give or do more.

Our young people are dying on our watch, mine and yours. I remember the day my life forever changed as a young girl. Was the day Brian Da Silva, Chantal Muller and the youth group came out from their church building and invited us from the streets to enjoy Monday nights with them. I remember distinctly it was the same month I started walking destructive paths with destructive people of whom most of them are dead today. The overwhelming compassion I have for young people today is not because I am looking in from the outside but I know for a fact that I would be a statistic today in more ways than one. It took one caring adult, then two, three and many more that impacted on my journey.

I also recall it was destructive adults who violated my dignity, who destroyed my confidence and love for life. Adults who thought that I did not deserve to belong because of who my parents were and their upbringing. I recall clearly that I was not good enough to be friends with certain peers. I remember the words that I will never be good enough, never amount to anything, I will be like my … so many ugly things that need not be repeated today.

I attest today that it was only by the Grace of God, yet I will fail in my testimony if I do not say it took many caring adults to guide and help me through my journey. It was a long road of healing and restoration of which I have still not overcome all today, trauma does not vanish…

Where are the caring adults, where are you? There are girls and boys needing a lifeline, needing support, needing you! Come now there is a generation needing to be impacted. The words I heard most growing up, “don’t play with THAT children”. Is there a child you are rejecting today because of their parents? Are you asking, where are your parents? Can’t your parents buy food, etc.?

Will you reflect with me today, I can undoubtedly say that many of you were impacted by an adult at some point in your life. Why not do the same today, can you reach out to one child today? The gangster we condemn and wish to die also needs a caring adult. That young girl who seemingly has no hope left needs a caring adult too.
Can all the caring adults please stand up. My note today is to encourage you to share some love. What if standing on your stoep tomorrow can save the life of a girl. What if talking to a young boy, asking how are you can alert him that he is not alone. What if your smile and a short conversation can fill a need so great that impacts the direction of a young person today.
Just choose One, decide right now to start with one child. Commit to journeying with one child, one young adult, one teenager today.

Let’s talk…

Much Love

Lynn Joseph

Stars sparkling bright in Parow

Lynn Joseph — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 12:06:14 +0000

“Sometimes, it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.” Nelson Mandela

Today Star-Group in Parow demonstrated greatness when they decided to love on generations of girls in Kensington and Factreton.
Thank you to all the amazing staff at Star-Group who contributed much-needed toiletries and programme stationery to Daughters of Destiny.

Special thanks to Andrea Flores, Lynn Smith, and Michiel Kruger the ambassadors of Star-Group who came bearing gifts.

We can not wait to share your gifts with the girls. Stay tuned for the smiles, coming soon once our clubs start next week!

Practitioner in training – Social and emotional Intelligence

Lynn Joseph — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 16:25:09 +0000

Allow our founder Lynn Joseph to take you on her journey, as a practitioner in training.

The Extended Education Practitioner Training Programme – an 18-month certificate course – aims to equip practitioners with the skills required to design and execute quality after-school programmes, thereby enabling them to create a better experience for learners.

My First Module: Social and emotional intelligence.

Since January 20th, I have continuously reflected on Social and emotional intelligence.

Allow me to infer that Social and emotional intelligence (also known as EQ) is fundamental to our daily interactions. The necessary elements that help form how we think act and react to situations.

What is social and emotional intelligence, for those who have not heard these terms before?
Daniel Goleman gives us five key elements of EQ, self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

Self-awareness is the ability to notice your feelings and understand how they affect your behaviour relationships and work performance, etc. The ability to know your strengths, weaknesses, and, having a sense of confidence and self-worth.

Self-management is the ability to control your feelings and act appropriately. It means you try to do the right thing. It is being adaptable and able to cope with change. Always looking for opportunities to grow and set high standards in everything you do.

Social Awareness means being aware of other people’s feelings, understanding how they see things, and taking an interest in them. Socially aware people care and have empathy. Social awareness also means being able to read people’s body language, facial expressions, and even the tone of their voice to understand what they are thinking or feeling.

Relationship skills are the ability to communicate clearly and convincingly and, build strong connections with others. To help others develop their talents, through feedback, guidance and inspire others to work at their best. Having good relationship skills means being able to resolve conflict and come up with win-win solutions.

Responsible decision-making is the ability to make honest and just choices. Do not break rules or the law; In addition, they take into account all the options available. Responsible decision-making is being able to make realistic evaluations of your choices and actions. Including impact or consequences, they will have, not just on you but also on others.

Why is it important to implement EQ in the workplace? Barry Chignell wrote, “Emotional intelligence (also known as EQ) was ranked sixth in the World Economic Forum’s list of the top 10 skills that employees will need to possess to thrive in the workplace of the future.”
Writing for Forbes in 2014, Travis Bradberry, author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0, said, “Of all the people we’ve studied at work, we’ve found that 90% of top performers are also high in emotional intelligence. On the other side, just 20% of bottom performers are high in emotional intelligence. You can be a top performer without emotional intelligence, but the chances are slim.”

Reading many articles referring mostly to business and marketplace, it simply amplifies how much more we need to apply these skills to “our” business. The “people’s” business is what I call the civil society workplace. Yes in the marketplace, they also work with people but their objectives differ slightly. In the “peoples'” workplace, we aim to change and impact lives of people, not merely the bottom line.

Why is EQ important in the classroom?
Patricia Jennings and Mark Greenberg, leading scientists in the field of social-emotional learning, say teachers who possess social and emotional intelligence are less likely to burn out. They can also more effectively work with “challenging children” that are one of the main causes of burn out. Dr. P. Karthikeyan further breaks it down, that emotional intelligence has three different dimensions, competency, emotional maturity, and emotional sensitivity.
EQ is vital in education and not be taught in isolation. More importantly, if a teacher or parent is not emotionally intelligent they cannot teach or encourage a child EQ.
Teachers are role models that help students regulate their emotions. The benefits of teaching EQ in educational spaces is immeasurable, however getting the ball rolling would be a great challenge. In schools, teacher’s responsibility has expanded that they now are unable to model EQ as desired. Overcrowded classrooms, ill-disciplined children who themselves face many social ills within communities.

There are so many areas to highlight, allow me to express on one today, empathy. I have seen the need for empathy more and more the past two months.
A leader with lack of empathy will slowly lead him or her nowhere. Soon they will notice there is no one following. Leaders need to understand the needs of the people they lead, to be able to lead effectively. In my role as a practitioner and leader of my team, this is crucial even more so in my roles as a mother and wife.

Being in a different space the past month, I heard many conversations of people I do not know. How a mother arranges transport for her child. The other woman stressed about her daughter, sitting there with many suggestions popping up in my mind. I just listened and did not respond, empathy is more than just trying to understand or put yourself in the other persons’ shoes. When we give people a space to be and experience what they are facing we create a space so beautiful and full of learning. I remember after two weeks it was the first time I mentioned I had children, I saw a sparkle in the woman’s eyes that suggested thank you for understanding.

Honoured to be part of a faith family, called New Beginning Christian Family Church. Where I have extensively learned how not to take offense, ability recognizes when it comes to fore and deal with my emotions accordingly. It allows me to work in very pressurized spaces and respond to the problem and not the person. I can truly see the benefits of not taking offense.
Empathy and social awareness really help one to stop, evaluate the persons’ reaction, and determine the best response in seconds.

The Extended Practitioner Training module one has instantly changed my interaction with people and life. There have been many scenarios that tested the knowledge I acquired, and, how I deal with my staff, family, and people, I meet and see daily.
I echo the words of Wayde in one of our sessions, “The problem is the problem, not the person!

Before I left my home, Sunday 14th January, I wrote a letter to myself, “Work towards effectiveness in my family.” Only my family can attest to the changes since then.

I am so excited to see how the skills I acquired will affect the girls I work with, in my role as a practitioner.
One Girl at a time, There is a life that needs to be changed.Today!

Thank you to all the amazing partners who make this rewarding journey possible, Western Cape Government, in partnership with Stellenbosch University (SU), Community Chest and Rutgers University-Newark (USA)

Thank you…

Inspiring women impacting Daughters of Destiny

Lynn Joseph — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 13:47:30 +0000

Reflecting on my journey in 2017, I would deny myself a great privilege if I do not take time to honour phenomenal women. The women have continually encouraged me and inspired me. Some women did not say a word, but they inspired me each time I encountered them.

Firstly, the order I am writing has no reflection on the value of importance.

Let me start with the woman who spent many hours to lift me up, and reassure me in times of doubt. She also committed many hours of her time, even Sundays to assist me with my work. Asked the kind of questions that no one cared to ask, or know. The first woman I could openly share my story with, and receive needed support without judgment. Thank you, Wafaa Abdurahman you have been a mainstay of support. I want to concede your influence to my work.

My appreciation for the next woman goes deep, more than just skin-deep. She nurtured me in her womb, my mother, support, and my honest critic. Allison Williams financed my work and continually supported the girls in the programme. She is a phenomenal woman who I can call on, day or night, for any support. All influencers in this sector, need the support of a woman like Allison. She is clear about the role she plays in the lives of the children in her community. This makes it easy to gain her continued support. Allison is a champion in Skepe Plein who forms part of the support for girls.

Then there are the women who walk the talk, who inspire me whenever I see them at work. Women that grab my attention each time they speak or enter a room. Lucinda Evans, Avril Andrews, Delicia Howard, Carol Bruton, Tina Thiart, Judar Scholtz, Bernie Dolley, Rene Parker, Alison Alexander, Christine Taphel, Fara Abdurahman, Chrischar Rock, Candice Booysen, Merle Thomas, Tanya Mouton, Hazel Potgieter, Theressa Honey, Helen Kebble, Odette Slabbert, Deborah Vanacore, Melanie Du-Toit Davids, Ruth Moodley, Elizabeth Timm, Nolene Kellerman, Machelle Solomons, Esther Julius, and Olivia Nagan. Thank you, to some of you it may come as a surprise, but I am watching you, lead well.

Lastly, the women I could not do the basics of Daughters of Destiny (known as DOD) without, you are the reason DOD has grown so much in 2017. Women I could depend on for support and courage most times. Lynette Van Eden, Sheree Francis, Rochelle Rix, Kelly-Shea Kleinsmith, Ilse Daniels, Elizabeth Timm, Joan Daniels, Sue-Anne Zerf, Kordeen Galant, Veronica Galant and Charmaine Kleinsmith.

The year 2018 awaits another girl’s life to be changed. Thank you, to all you amazing women in my life.

YOUR SUPPORT IS EVERY GIRLS DREAM!

Great Women Support and uplift each other!

Lynn Joseph — Sat, 30 Dec 2017 08:50:22 +0000

How blessed we have been to be a part of a group of such great women. The Ithemba Women is a group of women leaders, from the Ethembeni Equity Investment Trust & Ithema broad-based ownership scheme. Ethembeni Equity Investment Trust controlled by women, response to women-specific needs, challenges, and aspirations. Through Ithemba broad-based ownership scheme that offers a range of skills-based education, learning and sharing platforms, capacity building and training programmes, and the creation of networking opportunities. Skills development is followed by assisting in obtaining the necessary infrastructure and where applicable, financial support to grow these women empowerment projects.

We would like to thank Beulah Fredericks and The Community Development Foundation (referred to as CDF), for your support. The dream team Wafaa Aduraghman and Sue-Anne Zerf, thank you for your continued support. CDF and the Ithemba women have become a second home, a place of support, hope, strength, and upliftment.

1st for women, relationship blog says, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much’. That is a well-known quote from Helen Keller, which she voiced on numerous occasions during many of her stage performances in the mid-1940s, yet this adage still rings true in modern times.

In today’s world, everyone seems to be too busy and too under pressure to help the next person. As much as we need to focus on building our ideal lives and creating the best futures for ourselves, we need to keep in mind that when women work together towards a common goal, so much greatness can be achieved.”

We can surely attest to that 2017 was a tough and busy year for many of us but also a very rewarding year, knowing we have the support of Great women.

Ithemba women are a group of phenomenal women leaders doing great work in their communities.

Wilhelmina Heynes, Tersia Charles, and Debbie Beziek working at a multi-purpose center Masithembele in Delft. Lucinda Evans and her team Zaida Cassiem, and Lesley Muller changing lives at Philisa Abafazi Bethu in Lavender Hill. Avril Andrews, Lesley Wyngaard, and Marlene Karelse at Alcardo Andrews Foundation and Moms move for Justice in Hanover Park. Vanessa Jooste, founder of Kingdom Construction Kidz in Ottery. Janap Odendaal, founder of “Hope for Destiny” on the Cape Flats. Heather Adonis at Smart Kingdom Kids Academy in Sea wings impacting lives through music. Allison Williams designer and tailor at Allison’s Wardrobe in Factreton. Vivian Mciteka, transforming lives at Umthawelanga in Khyalitsha. Gail October one of the team members of the organization called Women of Westlake in Westlake. Nolindo Wabani from Kuilsriver, Rusana Philander at Girls for Hope in Kuilsriver. Shanaaz Viljoen from Children’s Resource Centre, Wilweena Fortune from WWWJacobs Gardens in Mitchells Plain, and Penny Roberts – PR Agency. Our Youth, Andrea Alexander, Corine Solomon, Zandile Manuel, Jodie Petersen, and Michaela Booysen from Youth Arise. Delicia Howard founder of Ambassadors of Change in Scottsdene and Michelle from Sinethemba.

What an incredible team the year 2018 awaits new partnership and a year of re-enforcement and strengthening like never before. Let us continue to hook in our arms and move forward as a powerful force for good throughout our country.

Thank you, CDF for being the catalyst for change and creating a platform for women leaders to grow!

The year 2018 here we come!

Tina Thiart we Thank you!

Lynn Joseph — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 19:41:32 +0000

Straight to the point, phenomenal women. Knows her business and surely helps you know yours. Thank you Tina for being great force for good, we want to acknowledge your contributions to this sector and our organisation. We have learnt so much from you, our first session for the year was arranged by you and your partners. 22 January, the only brave people starting the year on such an early and high note.

Thank you for the countless opportunities that you and your partners create across many spheres more importantly Gender Based Violence. We are honoured to learn from you.

Thanking you,

Lynn Joseph

Thank You Playtime Daycare

Lynn Joseph — Wed, 27 Dec 2017 19:33:04 +0000

A wonderful 2017 spent with super, amazing girls!

“I am a Daughter of Destiny, I love myself, I love others, I am beautiful, I am a daughter of destiny” We proudly uttered those words as part of our weekly pledge, whilst holding each other as we stood in a circle.

We have had several walks in our imaginary parks as we learnt how to greet, do observations and learn about safety. We surely loved spending time with you- presentation time was always great fun.

A special thank you goes to Mymoena and staff for your warm reception week after week and for your ongoing support.

We are excited to continue teaching the girls in 2018 and welcome our new girls.

Thanking you,

Lynn Joseph

People’s First Foundation – “Ask Frank!”

Lynn Joseph — Wed, 20 Dec 2017 18:42:28 +0000

“Dan wil ek jou ook graag verwys na Frank Julies toe. Hier is ‘n link na sy website toe. http://nonprofitconsultant.weebly.com/ . Hy is regtig die perfekte persoon om jou te help vir jou training needs wat jy het en om as ‘n consultant te gebruik vir die opstel en groei van jou organisasie.

Voorspoed vir die res van die week.

Groete, Noëline de Goede”

My first “Ask Frank!” happened in 2016 as quoted above. I was only brave enough to “ask Frank” on 19 July 2017. My first ask did not have the intended results but I was lucky to apply for a bursary at the NPO empowerment week workshop. What more is there to say when the rest is history?! I have never met a man that is so passionate about civil society. The two words that still echoes in my mind are “BY DESIGN” we must have a plan!

“A fundraising strategy is a must! If your non-profit organization does not have a comprehensive fundraising strategy in place right now it would be better for the board to close it down! This is an absolute necessity! You need to have a strategy to guide you in a potential crisis situation. Without this strategy it will amount to an army going into battle without a plan! Absolute suicide! And in this strategy you need to focus on maintaining your current donors, increase their current funding, reconnect with previous donors and research potential donors.”

This man is serious about making a difference, building capacity and strengthening NPO’s.

Being a young non-funded organisation we were unable to attend the much needed training however thanks to Frank and his partners we were able to attend the NPO empowerment week at Bellville Library, and we received another bursary to attend the Master Fundraising forum that offers so much more than just another workshop. Being a member of the Fundraising Forum gives us access to the following:

Continuous access to capacity building workshops
Continuous access to info about donor requests for proposals
Donor referrals where relevant
Assistance and advice with legal compliance
Advice with programme design and development
Site visits
One-on-one hands on support when needed and based on availability
Assistance with developing your fundraising strategy

Frank you have impacted our organisation in a great way! Thank you dearly. You said, “The biggest challenge for many NPOs is NOT how to access funding. The biggest challenge is to build FUNDABLE organisations with high credibility worth investing in!” Daughters of Destiny is interested in building a Fundable organisation!

“Most donors don’t need to be convinced to fund NPO’s. You need to convince them to fund YOUR organisation!” We can only see growth in every area in 2018.

Your partnership has opened so many doors for us as an organisation, new relationships and a support network.

Thank you,

Lynn Joseph

Lynn Joseph | Daughters Of Destiny

Power Meeting @ DOD Library Club!

First for 2019!

Founders heart…

*Stars sparkling bright in Parow*

Practitioner in training – Social and emotional Intelligence

Inspiring women impacting Daughters of Destiny

Great Women Support and uplift each other!

Tina Thiart we Thank you!

Thank You Playtime Daycare

People’s First Foundation – “Ask Frank!”

Stars sparkling bright in Parow