"Bettr Barista gave me the moral support to get back on my own two feet, move forward, and not allow adversity to control my life."

Hi, my name is Zaza and I’m from HT24. Back when I joined Bettr Barista, at that point of time I was lost. I didn't know what to do. I was almost giving up. Bettr Barista was my last hope of surviving towards becoming an independent, single parent. That was my last shot.
I remember thinking that if I'm lucky, and I get into this program, I will move forward and try to make life better. I was a perfectionist. I myself had a diploma in preschool teaching. I was offered to continue my studies, but what happened was that I was in the process of divorce, and my daughter was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder. So I didn’t know what was going to happen to her future. I became depressed and didn’t know what to do.
LOST HOPES
When I started with Bettr Barista, it was difficult in the beginning. The reason being, I was already lost and there was a loss of confidence in me. A lack of the hope I’d given up. Whatever I did, it seemed like it didn't go better.
But when I joined, the motivation they gave me in the beginning, even in terms of finances, was such that I wasn't worried for transport or food.
This motivates me to keep coming for classes. I want to keep coming to classes to improve myself and go back to the basics, which is life skills. It helps me to open up my thoughts and say that even the simplest thing, if you’re able to overcome it, then you’re able to move on from there.
Confidence is the main factor I got. Bettr Barista gave me the moral support to get back on my own 2 feet, move forward, and not allow adversity to control my life.
So to Bettr Barista and all who make the program possible: I appreciate the support and guidance throughout the 4 month program. It's not about just learning to make coffee. It’s about changing the lives of people like me, who have already lost hope, and now found new hopes and in fact are very ready to face more challenges to come.
EMPOWERED
I’m empowered. The first word; empowered. I’m looking forward to grow even better in terms of career and I would want to reach out to those who are unfortunate, other marginalized women like me.
For 2020, I’m going to start working with Social Space. I’m looking forward to leading the team and reaching out to marginalised women with Daughters of Tomorrow. I will be giving some talks to share my story with them and let them know what my struggles are and how I overcame, and survived to go forward.
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Zaza is now the team supervisor at The Social Space, Kreta Ayer.