KHUBVI – Ms Sarah Oltmans (29) travelled all the way from Seattle in the USA to Venda, to assist the rural communities with empowerment programmes like life skill development, acceptable moral behaviour and cultivation of good living relationships with fellow community members.

Oltmans, whom the local community now calls ‘Mashudu’, has been deployed by the US Peace Corps to do voluntary work for the Girls Guide Association of South Africa. She is now a mentor and patrol leader of 14 girls between the ages of 10 and 15 at Khubvi village, outside Thohoyandou.

Mashudu holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Washington.

“As a patrol leader, my duties include guiding young girls to be trustworthy, obedient, friendly, loyal and helpful to their parents. I also make sure that the girls are keeping the Guide Law because it is the basis from which all human relations start. Helping people has always been my childhood desire and I enjoy making contributions to the development of other people’s lives. I do not see skin colour, but I only see the need to assist fellow human beings,” said Mashudu.

When Mirror asked her how she copes with rural life while living at home in a big city like Seattle, Mashudu said: “The people here are so friendly and caring that I wish I could stay here for the rest of my life. Everybody loves me and I enjoy walking around the village meeting and assisting villagers to face life with courage. I also like the beautiful landscape of Venda and I enjoy seeing traditional dances like Malende and Tshigombela. I love this country very much, but unfortunately I will have to leave next year.”

Mrs Engeline Tanzwani (37), the Facilitating Officer of Khubvi Girl Guides, who stays with Mashudu, told Mirror: “Mashudu has lit a candle whose light will always shine in our community. She has been doing a wonderful job and since she came, our girls know what is expected of them in terms of acceptable behaviour, norms and values. She has been instrumental in the development of this community and I believe her contribution will assist our girls to behave well and become responsible members of the community. It has been quite a nice experience to stay with her because she finds it easy to adapt to our culture and traditional values.” concluded Engeline.