Keenan Bruiners always knew he had the ability to figure out how to fix mechanical things, he could see how things should be aligned or put together to make them work. In his mind he saw the parts assembled and how the pieces of the puzzle should fit. The problem was that he could not articulate it in writing, because he has Dyslexia. This is a lifelong learning condition that affects a person's ability to read, write, and spell accurately. It is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning the brain processes and connects language sounds differently. It has no connection to intelligence though, people with dyslexia can be very smart.
Today Keenan is a Qualified Technician at Jeep, one of the world’s top vehicle brands, where he has no problem sorting out complex technical and mechanical challenges to make sure that Jeep Somerset customers’ vehicles run smoothly.
“My journey, though, was not that smooth,” says Keenan. “After finishing primary school, my parents realized that I was really struggling academically. Luckily, thanks to a diagnosis from a Social Worker, it was confirmed that I had Dyslexia. This coincided with me being placed in the Mitchells Plain School of Skills, which led to an internship at Jeep.”
Keenan is an official Ambassador for the Mitchells Plain School of Skills and often shares his journey and achievements at events to inspire learners to be the best they can be “and not to let their circumstances define who they are.”
“I never stopped believing in myself, and I was also lucky to have some good people who also believed in me along the way, teachers, mentors and managers who kept pushing me, especially when it seemed that I would not make it. There were also many people in positions of authority who had no faith in me and told me, to my face, that I would not succeed and that I was wasting my time. But what they did not realise is that they were actually motivating me more to succeed, and to prove to them that I had what it takes.”
Keenan’s dyslexia diagnosis made it possible for him to go through tests and assessments verbally instead of doing written exams, and this was the key that unlocked his obvious intelligence. “My internship at Jeep meant that I had to pass regular exams and training modules at the Motus Training Academy, which is South Africa’s largest private training provider for motor artisans, specializing in automotive technical skills development and apprenticeships.”
The Motus program follow a practical-heavy approach consisting of roughly 20% theory and 80% hands-on workshop experience. It provides accredited technical training, learnerships, and apprenticeships for the automotive sector.
Keenan says the next chapter of his journey is already in progess. “My next challenge is to be part of the industry’s evolution to electric engines and for that I need to become a qualified diagnostic technician. I’m currently engaged in online training courses which will eventually put me in a position to train and qualify in diagnostics. The motor vehicle industry is moving towards a complete eventual shift to EV’s and the engine configurations and outputs are not only incredibly technical, but they will definitely result in more sophisticated and enjoyable, even faster driving experiences. And I definitely want to be a part of that process.”
Keenan was born and still lives in Mitchells Plain and feels passionate about being a role model for the community. “One of the things I want to say to our community is to take an active role in supporting our children. Listen to their concerns, help and support them to make their dreams and passions come true. In the end it often comes down to a parent or mentor’s push or decision that will change the life of a child completely.”
Keenan’s proud mom and dad, Deon and Nicky, as with most of the Raven Report interviews, are sitting in on the interview, adding running commentary on Keenan’s journey, while his older brother Darryl adds his two cents while eavesdropping from his room.
“I would not be where I am today without the support of my family. I am also very proud to be an ambassador for the MPSOS and I want to stress to our kids in the community that they should be under no illusion that the road to success is easy. But they should cultivate a mind-set that turns negativity into positivity, by taking the set-backs, which are bound to happen, and turning it into the fuel and energy you need to achieve your goals. That is what I have done, and if I can do it, so can you!”
“Another thing, I believe, that helped me, was the boundaries and strict rules my parents put in place. Small things like adhering to bed-times, cleaning up after yourself, sticking to routines, these things become the foundations of success in the real world and it really makes a difference.”
“However, probably the most important bit of advice I can give to anyone reading this is that despite the support, the positivity, the negativity, the circumstances you were born into, despite all of it, YOU, and only you, are the one that must do the work, make the change, make the difference, because at the end of the day, nobody owes you anything and you are responsible for what happens to your life.”
