Holistic School Sponsorship for 20+ Swati Students

The last few months have been the most important for Moya's Holistic School Sponsorship: Intake time!  Because of what we have achieved on the GlobalGiving platform for this project, along with a few local sponsors, we HAVE been able to maintain our Holistic School Sponsorship Program for 2020. 

We have decided to do things a bit differently this year. In the past, our holistic sponsorship could be given to a student for as long as five years. This year, we have decided to create a practical experience for our students going into form 4 where they re-applied for the remaining two years. This was a practical life skills lesson, as for many, this was their first experience in writing an application and being interviewed. Almost all of the students, except for some of those who had failed, and those who did not show up and did not give a reason, were kept on for the remaining two years of high school. Once this part of selection was complete, intake of new students excitedly began. We should note that due to funding shortages, we did not take a new intake last year, making this a very exciting time for Moya and the community. 

A total of 45 new students were selected to be part of the Moya Centre Holistic Sponsorship Program, bringing our total Sponsored Students right up to 133. We are looking to only maintain the program as it is a number in which we can handle providing the whole package of sponsorship, including the very important element of psycho-social support whenever needed. 

Of the 45 newly selected students, eight of whom were selected for Form 1 based on their need and the high marks they received on Grade 7 exams. An additional seven students were chosen for Form 1 based on need, and of course their spirit to succeed. We usually do not accept a great deal of Form 1 students, as high school is a new world, and we often prefer to see them make it through their first year before providing sponsorship for the remaining four years. This sometimes means the families have to scrape together the funds, or another resource is used to pay school fees for that one year, which also shows how much the student want to succeed in high school, and sheds light on the support network they have. However, for those who really would have no option but to receive our sponsorship, or not attend at all, Moya will intervene. This year, that was about one third of all students accepted. 

One young man who found himself in such a situation was Melusi. Melusi came to Moya Centre one day on his own, asking to speak to a psycho-social support officer. He explained to the PSS officer that he did very well on his grade seven exams, despite facing quite a bit of adversity in his home life. His mother passed away some years ago.  It is difficult for him to study with no electricity, and sometimes he doesn't get the support he needs from his father. However, he absolutely loves school and it had not occurred to him that he may have already had his last day in a classroom, until his father confronted him about their circumstances. The day before he came to Moya, Melusi's dad had took him by surprise by telling him he would start his new job as a cowboy, which is someone who looks after another family’s cows while they are grazing each day. Being a cowboy is known as one of the lowest paying piece jobs there is. Yet, this is the picture Melusi’s dad had for his son’s future, because he knew he could not afford even a portion of his school fees. Melusi was familiar  Moya Centre. Since he was from our catchment area, he stood a chance to receive support. He had not been involved with Moya prior to this initial visit, but it was so clear, from just a few minutes after he began speaking, how much this sponsorship would mean to him. He arrived in the office, and almost immediately, tears streamed down his face. He was embarrassed by his situation and desperation, but would soon realize that Moya is a place that provides comfort, support and opportunities for growth for kids just like him. Without even being sure that he would be selected, as he would still need to apply, Melusi left the office that day with a new found sense of hope, and it was fulfilled when several staff members who witnessed this interaction vouched for him during the selection meeting. We know Melusi will shine with Moya sponsorship and support. Our psycho-social support caregivers and staff, who spend most of their time out  the community, have already noticed a difference in Melusi, he has gained so much confidence and joy knowing he is not alone, and he now has a full support system to help lift him into the resilient, successful young man that we all know he is.

Aside from the 15 selected for Form 1, 16 new students were selected for Form 2, four were selected for Form 3, 6 for Form 4 and 4 for Form 5. We do try to support those students whose families were able to pay at the start of their high schools careers, but unfortunate events have changed their circumstances. We prioritize helping those who have already made it through to a certain point, but due to financial difficulties, or the death of a parent/guardian, they can no longer attend school without support. These young people often benefit equally as much from the psycho-social support element of the program, than from the school sponsorship. It should be noted that since we work with partner schools, often times they will refer students (both grade 7 primary and high school students) who they know as being most needy, or being at risk for dropping out because of lack of school fees.

Once the 45 new students were chosen, two parent/guardian and student meetings took place, one for returning sponsored students and one for the new additions. Much of the Moya staff takes part in these meetings, as it is a holistic sponsorship and every department is involved in their success.  Students and their guardians are told or reminded of what is expected of them in order to receive sponsorship. This includes building and maintaining a door-sized garden on their homestead for food production (responsibility, self-reliance and sustainability) as well as attending all informational meetings and motivational workshops. After these meetings, it is fully understood what Moya will provide, and what the students and their families have to do to maintain the sponsorship.

After the students have attended this meeting, they are qualified to receive uniforms, backpacks, stationary, etc. which is based on their form and what partner school they are attending. Of course all first year students receive all items unless the school is supplying it. This is a really special and engaging time for Moya staff with the students. We take time with each student to pick out uniform items and shoes that fit, and make sure they receive the proper stationary, while also giving them words of encouragement. This is a time when our new students get to know Moya staff, and the old students are reminded of how many people at Moya truly care about their well-being. 

Once they leave with their backpacks full of stationary and uniforms, they are fully equipped and ready to start the new school year. And that is where we are now. The first term ends on April 17^th, and shortly thereafter, Moya will receive the report cards directly from the schools that will tell us how each of our sponsored students is holding up. From there, we will work to quickly to identify and provide educational support to anyone who seems to be struggling. And at any time, even today, all of our students are welcome to come to us for encouragement, or any other form of psycho-social support. It takes a village to raise a child, and it take Moya Centre to help that child successfully make it through school.

Links:

• For the most up-to-date information on what's happening at Moya