Help Educate 40 Bright Girls in Lesotho

Three more young women finished high school at the end of 2014. They all did really well and we are hopeful that their future will be bright, just like Nthabiseng, who tells her story below.

‘‘My name is Nthabiseng (Nthabi for short). It means ‘rejoice with me’. I am rejoicing right now, having successfully finished high school and gone on to complete a university degree. I am now doing a part time Masters degree while working in a government department as a senior administrator. I am now married and have a daughter who I know I can support to get a good education so that she has a better life than I did.”

 Nthabi’s story could have been completely different. Like many young people from poor families, finishing high school is in itself a huge challenge. Her father was retrenched from his mining job in South Africa. The years of mine work had taken their toll on him, but even if he was able to work, jobs were scarce. Meanwhile Nthabi’s mother eked out a meagre living growing and selling vegetables to support the family. Nthabi’s uncle did his best to help her stay in school, paying some of the fees, but he had his own children to think about. Unless a miracle happened, Nthabi would have to leave school.

 “The principal at my school had heard of the support that Educare Fund gives to girls like me so that we can finish high school and maybe attain university level education. The moment I heard that I had been offered sponsorship, all traces of tension and worry left me. I knew that if I worked hard I could achieve my dream of getting degree level education, thus improving my chances of getting a good job. I made up my mind that I would work hard, not only to pass, but to actually excel in all the subjects I did so that I would not struggle to get a government grant for university level education. The hard work paid off and now I can see my future is bright. Moreover, my ambition is to be able to help other young people whose dreams would vanish like mine nearly did had I not been given the wonderful opportunity to further my education. My aim is not only to take part, but also to encourage others within my generation where possible, to extend the hand of fellowship and help support other young women in a similar situation.”

Last year Nthabiseng joined the committee of the local non-profit organization that works with Educare Fund to reach as many young women from poor families in Lesotho so that they can lift themselves and their families out of poverty forever.

It is our hope that thiese and many more young women in Lesotho will benefit from the project and have stories like Nthabiseng's to tell in the future.

Once more, thank you for continuing to work with us. Please feel free to leave comments and/or ask any questions you may have.

Liphethiso Monica Harris