Starting over in life is never easy, especially at age 55. After being made redundant in 2017 and spending nine years trying to establish a career as a professional actor, Dirk Jonker found himself broke, exhausted, and battling severe depression born from financial stress. Confronted with what felt like a dead end, Dirk made a conscious decision to rebuild his life around purpose and service: he would train for work that truly matters.
Recognising that helping others navigate their own challenges was his clearest path to healing, Dirk enrolled in a QCTO-accredited Home-Based Personal Care correspondence course. The qualification opens doors to caring for the elderly, the ill, and the vulnerable in their own homes or as a relief carer in healthcare facilities.
However, as an older learner, Dirk encountered a major hurdle in South Africa’s funding landscape. Most bursaries and learnerships in the home-based care sector are reserved exclusively for applicants under 35. At 55, Dirk found himself ineligible for hardship grants or bursary programs, despite his full commitment to completing his 330 required unpaid practical training hours at a local frail care center.
To cover his basic rent and living costs during his unpaid practical shifts, as well as necessary invigilator and assessment fees, Dirk launched his BackaBuddy campaign: Help Me Finish My Care Worker Course.
Bridging the Gap Through Community Support
While completing 144 unpaid practical hours at a frail care center and working side jobs (dog walking, house sitting, and assisting at local cafes in Table View), Dirk needed R24,000 to cross the finish line before his final exams. As highlighted in BackaBuddy’s guide on how South African students can fund their educational dreams online, crowdfunding provides a vital lifeline when traditional bursaries or government funding streams fall short.
Through the generosity of friends, family, and strangers who believed in his determination, Dirk’s campaign reached its 100% fundraising goal on 28 July 2026!
A Future I Can Believe In
The successful funding of his campaign has removed a massive financial weight from Dirk’s shoulders, allowing him to arrange his internal assessments with the Waterfall School of Business, complete his remaining 15 practical shifts at the frail care center, and register for his external national qualification exam. In a touching update to his supporters, Dirk shared what this milestone means for his journey:
“I have reached my fundraising goal. Thank you for your kind support. It makes all the difference. It has given me a future I can believe in.
Your help has taken a massive load off my shoulders and allowed me to progress toward an occupational certificate in Home Based Personal Care, which will allow me to look after the physical needs of people in their own homes, or a care facility as a junior member of their medical team.” — Dirk Jonker
Much like other inspiring educational success stories on The Giving Lab, Dirk’s journey shows that dedication has no age limit, and that a supportive community can turn a difficult second act into a story of profound hope and service.
Follow Dirk’s Journey
Dirk is now busy completing his final practical hours and preparing for his external exams before the end of 2026. You can follow his ongoing journey and updates on social media:
- Instagram: @dirk.jonker
- Facebook: Dirk Jonker Official
Are you or someone you know trying to upskill, re-train, or complete an educational qualification? Learn how to start an educational crowdfunding campaign on BackaBuddy or explore more Impact Updates on The Giving Lab.
