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This month, we are proud to introduce Lesleeco Koopman as our Youth Blogger of the Month, a young leader whose journey with MOT is a true reflection of courage, growth, and resilience. From his first experience as a MOT Youth to standing confidently as a voice of hope for others, Lesleeco’s story shows what can happen when young people are given the space and support to believe in themselves.
Through his journey, Lesleeco has learned that challenges do not define us, how we rise from them does. His words reflect honesty, strength, and a deep commitment to encouraging others to keep going, even when life feels overwhelming.
Here is Lesleeco’s story:
Good day, My name is Lesleeco Koopman, and I want to share something from my heart with every young person reading this.
What stood out the most for me in my MOT journey was the moment I was selected to become a Young Motivator.
That moment meant more to me than I can fully explain, because it showed that my MOT Coach saw potential in me, even when I didn’t always see it in myself.
Being chosen made me feel recognised, trusted, and capable of more. It pushed me to step up, grow, and believe that I had something valuable to offer others.
Soon after, my journey truly deepened at the Young MOTivators’ Camp. At the camp, the core values of MOT were reitinerated: the Courage to Live, the Courage to Care, and the Courage to Say No, and how these values shape our lives as we grow and become adults. Those words were meaningful, but what stood out to me the most was something much deeper.
At the beginning of the camp, I honestly believed that I was the only one struggling. I thought my problems were too heavy, too personal, and that no one would truly understand what I was going through. But as the camp continued, I began to listen to the stories of the other young motivators, what they had faced, what they had survived, and how they had overcome their challenges.
I was shocked. I couldn’t believe some of the hardships they had endured. Yet there they were, standing strong, smiling, leading, and inspiring others.
I asked one person something that had been on my mind: “How do you smile all the time and stay so positive after everything you’ve been through?” Her answer changed my perspective forever. She said, “That’s how I overcame my problems. I chose to smile. I encouraged myself every day and told myself that today is going to be a better day.”
In that moment, my eyes were opened.
I realised that I am not the only one who struggles.
I am not the only one who feels overwhelmed or thinks I’m going through the worst situation possible.
There are so many people out there fighting battles every single day, and still choosing to rise, to push forward, and to succeed.
What I learned from that camp is this: no matter what you are facing, it is happening for a reason. There is always a lesson in the struggle. Growth comes from the hard moments. Strength is built during the times you feel weakest.
So, to every young person reading this: Whatever you are facing right now, don’t give up. Keep your head held high. Keep moving forward. Choose Courage. Choose to care. Choose to say no to the things that destroy you, and yes to the things that build you.
You are stronger than you think.
You are not alone.
And your story is still being written.
Believe that tomorrow can be better, and never stop becoming the best version of yourself.
With courage and hope.
That is what MOT has taught me through my journey with them.
We are incredibly proud of who Lesleeco has become. His journey has truly come full circle, from being MOT Youth, to Young MOTivator, and now a MOT Coach, giving back to the very spaces that helped shape him. He stands as living proof of the MOT values in action: the Courage to Live, the Courage to Care, and the Courage to Say No.
Lesleeco continues to inspire, not just through his words, but through his actions. His story is still being written, and we are honoured to walk this journey with him.
Well done, Lesleeco. Your courage lights the way for others.
Want to read more inspiring stories like Aluwela’s? Visit The MOT Youth Blog here to hear directly from young people sharing their journeys of courage and growth.
And if you are a MOT youth or MOT Coach and would like to be featured as Blogger of the Month, we’d love to hear from you! Send your MOT journey to info@mot.org.za or WhatsApp us on +27 67 471 5684.
Your story could inspire someone else to find their courage.
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