A sister's struggle to put education first
The year 2006 was the hardest of Thandeka’s 18 years of life. Her mother passed away, leaving her and her three sisters alone. She was separated from two of her sisters in order to finish schooling, and she was diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). Despite each of these challenges, Thandeka managed to keep her family intact, complete her Form 3 education and pass her junior certificate external examination with a first class. Thandeka’s hardships began after her mother died in the middle of the school term in 2006. Her father had passed away two years earlier. At the time of her mother’s death, Thandeka was attending school in the capital city of Mbabane. She was living with a family friend who was also paying her school fees. “I believe it is every parent’s wish for the best for her/his children. It was out of this belief that my mother arranged for me to do most of my primary and secondary schooling in Mbabane, where the quality of education is much better compared to rural communities,” said Thandeka. But when her mother died, was forced to make a very tough decision – should she remain at school in town or leave school to go back to her homestead and care for her younger sisters. Remembering her parent’s hopes for the girls to get a good education, Thandeka said she felt there was no alternative but to complete the school year in town and have her sisters remain at home to finish their own school term. She brought her youngest sister, Jabulile, then five years old, to town with her. This left Lomagugu, age 15 and Thuli, age 12, at home without any adult support. Lomagugu and Thuli struggled during these nine months, but were able to secure meals at school and at the Neighbourhood Care Point (NCP) near their home. Thandeka knew that at least the girls were eating properly and being looked after by the NCP caretakers. NCPs are a key entry point for orphans and vulnerable children to receive basic services such as food, care, support and informal education. NCPs make invisible children visible, bringing them into the system and making the community aware of their situation. Thandeka completed her Form 3 term in Mbabane and excelled on her examination. She then returned to her rural home to assume the role of sister, mother and friend. All four girls were enrolled in school under the Government’s school grant for orphans and vulnerable children. Thandeka entered Form Four at Sikhunyane High School. Lomagugu, Thuli and Jabulile attended Mavula Central Primary School. But happiness for the girls was still out of reach. Shortly after her return, Thandeka fell ill and remained in bed for three months. She lacked the money for transport to the hospital and could not access basic treatment. With the help of a community based support group for people living with HIV, Thandeka was sent to the hospital where she was diagnosed with TB. Her test results were negative for HIV. UNICEF and neighbours rallied around Thandeka , engaging the school in talks to allow her to return to school after her treatment. Thandeka has strictly adhered to her treatment, is now back at school, and is on her way to recovery. Her teachers report that she concentrates in class and is doing well.
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