I interviewed Sister Sizakele CPS from Emaus Mission about the Programme called “Education For Life” which she presents to parishes that she visits in the diocese of Umzimkulu.  The purpose of this interview is to introduce her as one of the leaders who builds our diocese and to present her ministry.

“Sister can you introduce yourself , we would like to know something about your vocation as well about the service that you have rendered in your Congregation.”
I  am Sister Sizakele Mbeje,  a  Missionary Sister of The Precious Blood.  I was born on January 6^th 1965 at St Isidore Mission Farm near Ixopo.  We were 9 children at home.  My father, 2 sisters and one brother have past away.  I am the only one from my family who entered religious life.  I joined the Congregation in 1987 at Mariannhill.  (interviewed by Fr Michal Kurzynka from Centocow Mission)  (to complete the story - click read more) To see photos - click following links: Emaus Mission   Centocow Mission  St. Andrew's Parish  Port Shesptone 

From 2001 – 2002 June I was sent by my superiors to Rome and England to  prepare for formation so that I accompany the novices.  This was the first time I went out of my country.  I experienced a cultural shock!   I learned a lot and I grew holistically. Learning to know other cultures helped me to accept people as they are.

The city of Rome is beautiful, with many old churches and parks.  I really enjoyed seeing the Vatican.  One day with our group of participants, we had a chance to meet late Pope John Paul II during a special audience. I even got a chance to touch him!  It was a wonderful experience indeed.

In July of 2001, I travelled to England where I did a diploma in psycho spiritual formation. Only when we can work on ourselves that we able to journey with others genuinely.  After this training I returned to South Africa and started to work as a novice directress in my Congregation. It was a challenge for me but I grew and it was a privilege to accompany the novices. With God’s grace we grew together. I thank my congregation for entrusting me with this ministry.

After 6 years of work in the Novitiate, I went to Mariannhill to accompany the postulants and helping the bursar in the provincialate for two years.  When I was there my heart was always with the young people and on fire for them, therefore, I was transferred to Emaus Mission on the 9^th of March 2010 to work with the youth.  Father Raphael Phiri is the chaplain for the Youth in the Diocese of Umzimkulu.   Seeing the need in the diocese I started working with Fr Phiri  in the Diocese and all this happen because since I entered the congregation I have been working with the young people.

I would like to ask you about Workshops in the Parishes of our Diocese.  Can you tell us where you have been and how you are preparing yourself to give these workshops?  Can you share with us what kind of workshops are those?

I attended the programme of Education for Life in Assisi in 2010 May where we had to go through the process before we can facilitate it in the Diocese.  We were 30 of us from our diocese and Sr. Victoria from Pretoria and her team facilitated the workshop.  This programme is about behaviour change and values. It deals with a young person holistically and it is also spiritual. Education for Life includes many things like: change of behaviour for young people, spiritual guidance (there is always a Holy Mass and time for confessions), values, and issues of HIV / Aids.  This programme helps the youth  to make  right decisions and to live life to the fullest  as in John 10:10, now and especially in the future. In January 2010 we were trained to be facilitators and we passed the tests and started working immediately with my team. I’m the coordinator of this programme in our diocese and the cluster coordinator of KZN.

• There is  3 days programme  for  10 – 14 years old
• There is  5 days programme for 15- 25 years  old

I would like to make known that during this time I will need the help of a priests.  Like I said, this programme is not only about one thing.  We need priests who will know about Education For Life who will help us when we do the programme. From the 24th to the 28^th of October at Glenmore in Durban there will be special training sessions for priests who would like to help in these programmes.  I invite the priests who are interested to join the programme.  It is free, no payment.

Lastly Sister, I would like to ask you which parishes have you visited and where will you go in the future?  I would also like to know what responses have you received about the programme.

Parishes we have been in:

• 6 -8 May St Andrew's - Harding for  Pre-teens
• 4 – 8 July Emaus, two from each parish of diocese, to identify facilitators
• 11 -13 July pre- teens Christ the King - Port Shepstone
  2 – 4 September pre-teens in Centocow Mission

Workshops to come this year

• 3 – 7 October 5 days programme  of EFL at Emaus youth centre
• 25 – 27 November  I will give a Retreat for the facilitators at Emaus Mission
• 12 -14  December  EFL for Pre-teens of Emaus Mission
• Beginning of January 2012 – evaluation and planning for 2012.

The workshops have been wonderful and I see already the change and growth in the young people. My vision for the future is that the 5 days programme of EFL is done in each parish so that many young people can be reached. Follow ups after the programmes need to be done so that YOUTH ALIVE Groups can be formed in each parish. All in the entire programme is changing the lives of the young people and I am on FIRE to continue to empower them.

Thank you very much Sister.  I am impressed by your dedication and your lovely personality. The last question is “Do you support Springboks, the team of Rugby players? (Because of the World Rugby Cup in New Zealand).

Yes, but I am only sad that they will play during Mass time, but I will see them  at news time.  Thank you.

REQUEST TO ALL READERS: Please support Sister Sizakele in her Youth Ministry - as we need much funding to complete the training and formation programmes - in order to help our Children and Youth. If your Heart has been moved - please contact us using the contact detail as well Donations menu. (Bishop Stanislaw Dziuba, OSPPE)