My name is Irene Shabodien, my life with Conquest For Life started when I was very young. I remembered just having my first born and I had to go out and look for a job. My work journey started with Conquest For Life. I started being an aftercare teacher. Before I could become a aftercare teacher I received multiple training. And went on various camps in order to gain knowledge how to work with children and beign a aftercare teacher. After the training I became a Youth At Risk Leader. I remember walking the streets of Westbury and recruiting young people at risk to participate in the three weeks life skills camps.

It was during this time that I learned the importance of life skills and its purpose. I grew from strength to strength and became a counsellor and then a mediator working with the courts. The courts were quite interesting as it was there that I realized that I can work with families and domestic violence cases. We will work as a team with the investigating officers and prosecutors to assist the victims of violence. I felt very important as that was my life to bring reconciliation and hope to victims of crime. It was during this process that I met a lot of people in my life and the staff of Conquest worked as a family and support each other. I met people from various countries and all walks of life.

I just want to thank Mr Steyn for seeing something in me that other people have not seen, nor have I seen it. He has opened avenues in my life that where I felt there was no way out. I have seen many places with Conquest For Life. My first trip to Cape Town was with Conquest For life, seeing the ocean, climbing Tble Mountain was a big moment for me. THANK YOU, Conquest For Life.

“ If its to be, its up to me”