Makoali Makara, also known as Agnes, joined Kick4Life in November 2014 as a young woman fresh out of high school. More than a decade later, she is preparing to leave the organisation with a diploma in Human Resource Management and Labour Laws; experience across several different roles; and a clear ambition to build a career in Human Resources. Her journey from a Fit4Work trainee to a front-of-house server, chambermaid, commis chef and receptionist has been shaped by a willingness to learn, take on new challenges and make the most of the opportunities that came her way.
Born and raised in Maseru, Agnes is now a 30-year-old mother of three: one son and twin daughters. She grew up in Ha Bosofo, attended Masianokeng Primary School and Leqele High School, and later pursued tertiary education at the Lesotho Institute of Public Administration and Management (LIPAM). Her journey at Kick4Life began through the Fit4Work programme, where she received training in computer literacy, general workplace conduct, CV writing and interview etiquette. At the end of the training, she was given the opportunity to sit in an actual job interview, which led to her being placed at No.7 Restaurant as a front-of-house server. She spent three months in that role before moving to housekeeping at the Hokahanya Inn & Conference Centre, where she began working as a chambermaid.
Agnes worked in housekeeping for three years, but during her third year she began using her free time to explore another area of the organisation. She started volunteering in the restaurant, taking shifts in the No.7 kitchen and developing her culinary skills. Her dedication impressed her seniors, and she was eventually absorbed into the team as a full-time commis chef. Her time in the kitchen became another important stage in her development. Among the highlights was the opportunity to create sauces that eventually became part of the restaurant menu, while another came when she gained enough confidence to manage some morning shifts independently, serving both Hokahanya Inn guests and No.7 walk-in customers. Her performance was recognised when she was named Employee of the Month and later Employee of the Quarter. The recognition, together with positive performance evaluations, boosted her confidence and reinforced her belief in her own abilities.
Agnes’s journey reflects the power of creating opportunities for young people to discover and achieve their potential. What began as a Fit4Work placement became a pathway through which she could gain practical experience, develop new skills, explore different areas of work and gradually build the confidence to take on new challenges. Each opportunity opened the door to another, allowing Agnes to shape her own direction and transform what began as a first step into a clear professional ambition. Her experience also reflects the broader role of Kick4Life’s social enterprises in providing structured training and employment opportunities while supporting young people towards sustainable livelihoods.
Looking back on the different roles she held at Kick4Life, Agnes sees the freedom to learn and explore as central to her development. “They gave me the next opportunity to explore the next role,” she recalls. Rather than being defined by where she initially struggled, she was able to discover where her strengths lay and continue developing them. “When they saw that there is potential, there is room for growth, they worked with me in making sure that those skills and the knowledge which I have acquired expand,” she says.
A few years into her journey as a commis chef, Agnes began reflecting on what she wanted to pursue in the future, and the idea of going back to school was reignited. She spoke to her line manager about it and was advised to present her case to the Human Resources office. Her conversation with then Programmes & Operations Director, now Country Director, Mr Motlatsi Nkhahle, was fruitful, and she was granted the opportunity to start her classes while continuing to work as a chef. Her schedule was adjusted to accommodate both work and school, allowing her to take morning shifts in the kitchen before attending classes in the evenings.
Three years later, she graduated with a diploma in Human Resource Management and Labour Laws, achieving something she had once thought might be out of reach, particularly while balancing work and study. For Agnes, completing her studies remains one of her greatest achievements. “My greatest achievement was that I was given a chance to go back to school. I managed to pass. I didn’t disappoint them.” The experience not only enabled her to achieve a personal goal but also reinforced her belief in what can happen when people are given the flexibility and support to pursue their ambitions.
After graduating, Agnes continued working as a chef, but after some time she felt ready to move into a more administrative environment, where she could also interact more with people. Once again, she began learning beyond her formal role, volunteering at the Front Desk and gaining experience in broader day-to-day Kick4Life activities, including bookings and general hospitality work. Her value and commitment became visible to the front desk team and, when a receptionist resigned, Agnes was given the opportunity to take on the role full-time.
She describes her time at reception as another important period of personal and professional development, during which she gained a deeper understanding of emotional intelligence and professionalism through dealing with different clients every day. The experience strengthened her confidence in communicating with people and building relationships, and she received positive feedback from clients.
Reflecting on Agnes’s journey during her farewell ceremony, Country Director Motlatsi Nkhahle recalled how she first approached him about pursuing Human Resources. He remembered being impressed by her determination to continue her education while working, as well as her willingness to gain experience beyond her role in the kitchen. For Nkhahle, Agnes’s story is an example of the importance of recognising and making the most of experiences that may prove valuable in the future. “You never know what life is preparing you for,” he said, encouraging staff that attended Agnes’ farewell ceremony to remain open to opportunities that can provide skills and knowledge that may later help them move forward. He emphasised that while people should pursue their own ambitions, they should also remain open to unexpected opportunities that can contribute to their development.
Agnes’s journey has also left a strong impression on those she worked alongside. Her line manager, Busisiwe Potiane, described her as someone who gives herself fully to every responsibility she is given. “She’s one person who is present and fully immerses herself in her work,” Busi said. To her, Agnes’s contribution extended beyond her professional responsibilities. “I can’t say enough about Agnes and how much of her heart she extended,” she added, expressing her gratitude for the dedication Agnes has shown over the years.
What Is Next for Agnes?
Agnes has recently enrolled at the University of Africa to pursue a degree in Human Resource Management, which she plans to begin in January, taking another step towards building the career she has been working towards for several years. Her journey from a young trainee fresh out of high school to a confident professional pursuing her ambitions reflects the impact that learning, perseverance and opportunity can have over time. What began with a Fit4Work placement eventually led her through different areas of the hospitality and administrative operations at Kick4Life, with each experience adding new skills, knowledge and confidence.
Her advice to those beginning their own journey at Kick4Life is simple: “They should focus on their dreams.” She believes Kick4Life is “a good space to learn and to grow”, where people are given the chance to make mistakes, learn from criticism and continue proving themselves. “You are given opportunities upon opportunities to prove yourself,” she says.
As she prepares to leave, Agnes says she will miss the staff and the clients she has built relationships with over the years. Her 12 years at Kick4Life have been marked by growth, perseverance and a willingness to keep learning, while also shaping the direction she wants to take. Her journey is a reminder of what can happen when young people are given opportunities to learn, grow and pursue their potential. Now, as she begins a new chapter, she leaves not only with the skills and qualifications she has gained, but with the confidence to pursue the future she once only hoped for.
