Unlike many of the teenagers in her area, Kendra Barros has a plan to change the perception of her community, one drill at a time.
When people speak about Mitchells Plain, the image portrayed is one of poverty, gangs and drugs.
However, for Kendra, 11, from New Woodlands in Mitchells Plain, this is merely a perception that can easily be changed by action.
Kendra was recently ranked as Lance Corporal of the South African Youth Cadets after just five months of service.
The bold youngster speaks with so much confidence and respect.
“To be honest, I didn't know a lot about the cadets when I joined. I, at first, thought it was just an activity, but as time went by, I realised that it's much more,” explained Kendra.
She said the cadets taught her life skills like discipline and leadership and helped her accept her calling was to help her community.
“The cadets is like a foot in the door to join the military. So when I'm done with school, I want to join them. That way, I will also fight to better the country.”
Kendra’s mother, Nicole Barros, 33, sits with a huge smile on her face while her daughter shares her vision for the country.
“I remember when Kendra was small, she used to tell me she wanted to do big things. I never understood it until today.
“I am so proud of her. While kids her age, who grew up in the same community, put their energy into all sorts of wrong things, she puts her energy into changing the perception, ” said the doting mom.
“I see so much change in Kendra. She wasn't always as confident, but now, she walks around with so much confidence wherever she is.”
Dr Randall Petersen, the founder of the South African Youth Cadets Academy Group and commissioned general, explained to Weekend Argus that cadets are not just about marching, drilling and competitions.
“The cadets train you up to be part of the military. You also get different divisions that train you to be part of the navy and army.
“Here, the participants are trained in a semi-military style.
“They learn to respect the flag, learn about the national symbols, conflict management, and life skills like discipline, respect, leadership, confidence and also get trained under the different components of physical, endurance and wellness.”
Petersen said the idea for the South African Youth Cadets came about eight years ago, and he started the with 230 children.
“On 18 January 2018, it was registered after talks with different governmental spheres, nationally and internationally.
“There was a demand in our province for discipline, and what better way than to train in a semi-military style.”
Today, the SA Youth Cadets have seen well over 6000 children come through their programme.
At the moment, there are as many as 5000 cadets nationally, with the programme to expand very soon to the Karoo.
Petersen said some of these children even ended up joining the military and became commissioned officers in the South African Defence Force.
“Most of the kids that also come through our doors are problematic, some even have ADHD, and when they leave, they changed, they show their patriotic love, and they also have more confidence and respect for themselves.
“The key here is that we don't only do drills and marches. We also have qualified professors in their fields who work with the cadets.”
Petersen said out of the 200 cadets who graduated on December 11, 30 were ranked, and of those, seven were ranked Lance Corporal and two Corporals.
“Kendra is a cadet who displayed qualities of discipline and respect. She is truly a zero to hero case. She was born to lead.
“It's like I always say: In all of you, there is leadership, but not everyone is called to be a leader.”