Anchello Calvyn De Vries, 23, grew up in Wellington, where small-town life calls for determination and character to stand out. As the eldest brother, Anchello feels a strong duty to lead by example, guiding his younger brother away from the mistakes he and their father once made.
Family forms the cornerstone of Anchello’s life. Disagreements occur, but their shared faith keeps them united through difficulties. They have faced many storms, yet they continue to support others while tending to their own bonds.
Anchello’s journey through the Elevation Programme, a beneficiary of the Val de Vie Foundation, marked a significant turning point in his life. Just after failing his second-semester exams at Boland College, he worried his future was slipping away. The programme provided a safe space for genuine expression, with staff and facilitators challenging his doubts and helping him recognise a stronger self within his reach.
The work readiness training emphasised self-discovery before pursuing a career. Motivational discussions fostered a sense of belonging. Anchello finally felt valued after years of feeling invisible. The Elevation Programme reignited his hope. It proved that perseverance and support can turn failures into triumphs, step by step. The commitment of the Elevation staff demonstrated how profound results can grow from modest beginnings.
Now, Anchello works as a sales representative at Cellucity, where he negotiates client deals while prioritising genuine value. The communication and interpersonal skills he developed through the programme enable him to connect deeply with clients’ needs.
With his eyes fixed on the future, Anchello aspires not only to succeed but also to give back, alleviating the desperation and hunger he once experienced. Focused and visionary, he now looks back with pride on his journey, becoming the man his younger self dreamed of becoming.
