In February 2013, we were proud to announce the installation of 24 cupboard libraries situated throughout 3 very rural and disadvantaged schools around Mt Frere, in the Eastern Cape.  We thought you’d like to meet the ASAP team member largely responsible for making this happen, 25- year-old Maxine Begbie Khan.

Helping to improve many young lives. Maxine at her work station.

Recently married, Maxine graduated from  the University of the Western Cape in september 2012 with a BA in Social Science.  Originally from Pietermaritzburg, all the way over in KwaZulu-Natal, she now lives in Cape Town. 

“I enjoy working for ASAP,” says Maxine.  “I feel like I’m making a difference, that I am working on my skills, and it just compliments what I have learnt in theory at University.  I enjoy the company.  I enjoy the staff, my colleagues, and Priscilla [the founder and director of ASAP].  She teaches me a lot.  I just like to gain strength and knowledge from those around me. 

Open for business. One of 24 cupboard libraries installed throughout three rural schools in the Eastern Cape.

“The fact that I can use opportunities that were given to me to help other people.  I think what motivates me is to see a difference, to see a change, either by what I can contribute, or by what others do and being a part of that.” 

“I am working on the research for the new libraries that we will be putting into the schools, and I am trying to gather some more information and statistics, and to get a better understanding of them and what they need, and how they see the project, or the value of the project.

“I think what motivates me is to see a difference, to see a change.”

” I would say that I hope ASAP grows even bigger, and that it becomes more well known, and that it continues to make such a big difference, as it has already in such a short space of time, in the future.”

“I can use opportunities that were given to me to help other people.”