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equaNimitYmag.Com
5 5
Axcil Jefferies
future kids
equanimity:
How did you get
involved with the ChildLine charity?
aJ:
In February 1997, Soroptimist
International of Zimbabwe--an
international women's service
organisation with members in
115 countries--decided after
consultation with and moral support
from the Ministry of Health and
Child Welfare to establish Childline-
Zimbabwe. It would be run along
similar lines as those agencies
already operating in the UK, South
Africa, and elsewhere, but adapted
to make it relevant and appropriate
to Zimbabwe in the twenty-first
century. I am just a ChildLine
goodwill ambassador.
equanimity:
How does your car-
racing career help the
ChildLine charity?
aJ:
Well, my role as a ChildLine
goodwill ambassador is to try and
generate as much awareness as
possible for the charity. One of the
benefits of competing at such a
high level is the amount of global
exposure my partners and I get.
I have always had the ChildLine
logo and website on my car, which
has influenced other international
companies to support ChildLine! In addition, I regularly go out to
see all the children and talk to them, try and motivate them, and
show them that anything is possible.
equanimity:
How do you juggle school, training, and
promoting ChildLine?
aJ:
I am very fortunate to have a good group of people around me
who help me stay on top of things. Firstly, my parents and team
help me out immensely with keeping things organized with my
training and racing. My tutor helps
me stay up-to-date with my studies;
it makes education a lot less
stressful when you are able to have
one-on-one sessions, and I feel I am
able to get things done quicker that
way. I usually do most of my work
with ChildLine during the off-season
since that is the only time I have
where I am able to travel out to the
rural areas to help and talk to the
kids.
equanimity:
What are your long-
term goals as a race car driver?
aJ:
For sure my ultimate goal is to
get to Formula 1. It was initially my
family's goal and mine, but it has
now become a national interest. I
would be so proud to be a part of
Africa getting back into Formula 1
and especially getting Zimbabwe
back into Formula 1.
equanimity:
How much rest do
you get?
aJ:
Not much during the season
since we are constantly travelling,
training, competing, studying, and
working at the team's base. But we
usually have quite a bit of time to
relax and chill in December. But of
course there are always still awards and events that you have to
attend, but it is a lot more fun and less stressful.
equanimity:
What is your favorite color and why?
aJ:
I don't really have a favourite colour; I seem to like a lot of
bright colours, which I'm sure most have noticed judging from
my helmet.
For more information on Axcil Jefferies, visit: www.axciljefferies.com.