Taswin was born in Cape Town under circumstances no child should ever have to face. His mother struggled with drug addiction during her pregnancy, and shortly after he was born, she left him. He was eventually raised by his grandmother and extended family.

To this day, Taswin knows very little about his father.

He grew up in Manenberg — a neighborhood marked by gang violence, drugs, and limited opportunities. From an early age, gunshots were part of everyday life. When rival gangs clashed, no one asked who happened to be on the street. Children were not automatically safe.

At the age of 15, Taswin witnessed a shooting right outside his apartment building. Stones were thrown, people screamed, bullets hit the walls. A man was killed. For many, such an experience would be traumatic enough to shape a lifetime. For Taswin, it was simply part of his reality.

There were times when he could not play outside for days. Whenever shootings started, children stayed inside their homes.

His family — especially the women in his life — gave him stability. He grew up surrounded mainly by strong female role models. His uncle played an important role as well, particularly in supporting his passion for soccer. From an early age, Taswin learned respect, responsibility, and the value of community.

He does not feel hatred toward his mother. He has forgiven her. She still struggles with addiction today. Sometimes he wishes that one day he might be able to help her break free from that cycle. But he also understands that a child should not have to carry the responsibility for their parents.

Faith has always played an important role in Taswin’s life. Church and prayer were constant parts of his childhood. Whenever things became overwhelming, he would withdraw, pray, and try to sort through his thoughts. Instead of being drawn into the violence around him, he made a conscious decision to choose a different path.

“I always knew that wasn’t my way.”

Meeting Gregor and Marlies only strengthened that conviction.

Today, Taswin is close to finishing school.

His favorite subject is Economics, but he is especially fascinated by mechanics and engineering. Even as a child, he enjoyed fixing broken things. His dream is to study Mechanical Engineering — perhaps one day working on ships and traveling the world. Germany is at the top of his wish list.

He knows the road ahead will not be easy. University means several more years of hard work. But Taswin has learned not to shy away from challenges. He wants to make the most of the opportunities he has been given — also thanks to the support of Kids Kapstadt.

What truly sets him apart is his attitude. No bitterness. No victim mentality.

Instead, a deep desire to build something greater for his life.

Taswin proves that your background does not have to define your future.