Thando's Story
Thando is 16. She's raising her daughter, has been caring for her younger brother, and still managing to be named "Overall Achiever" at school.
Thando is determined to build a better future for herself and her little girl, and we're more than happy to support a young woman who is clearly working hard to help herself.
Early on in 2026, she had an idea to earn some money to help support her family. Because she doesn't yet have her ID, she can't claim the child grant, so she decided to create her own opportunity — making Valentine's hampers for school friends. She took deposits from those who wanted to buy, we took her shopping, and she created beautiful hampers for both girls and boys. They were such a success that she now makes hampers for birthdays and other occasions too. She is an inspiration and young entrepreneur for sure!
As part of our Young Mum & Baby Programme, we support Thando so she can stay in school and continue her education. This includes helping with a school uniform, food parcels when needed, nappies, porridge, hygiene essentials, and paying for crèche so her daughter is cared for while she's in class.
There are so many incredible young women like Thando in our Young Mum & Baby Programme, and with your help we can do more for them so they can provide for their families and be the best mums they can be.
Thenjiwe's Story
Thenjiwe finished school at Grade 10. Like many young people in our community, that could easily have been the end of the road — few opportunities, and even fewer places to turn for guidance on what comes next.
Through our Skills & Job Readiness programme, Thenjiwe took part in structured training designed to build practical, work-ready skills. We helped her put together a CV, prepared her for interviews, and supported her through the job-hunting process.
That preparation paid off — Thenjiwe has now landed a full-time job.
Her story is exactly why this programme exists: not just training for training's sake, but a real pathway from where someone is to where they want to be.
Luthando's Story
Luthando lives with diabetes, and for a long time was walking more than 7 kilometres to school each day — often unwell, and with little food at home. Eventually, the toll became too much, and Luthando was admitted to hospital.
Since then, we've been able to step in with practical, ongoing support: transport to and from school, so the journey is no longer a health risk, and regular food parcels so proper nutrition isn't a daily struggle.
Today, Luthando is back at school, healthy, and no longer facing that impossible daily walk. It's a reminder of how much difference something as simple as a lift to school and a stocked pantry can make.
Help Us Write More Stories Like These
Your support helps young people like Thando, Thenjiwe and Luthando stay in school, stay healthy, and build a better future.