Sinethemba's Story of Hope, Growth, and Entrepreneurship
At the age of 17, Sinethemba, a resident of Davis in the Shiselweni region, faced a challenge that threatened to hinder her dreams. Her unexpected pregnancy forced her to leave school, casting a shadow over her aspirations. In a household where every penny counted, the burden of school fees weighed heavily on her unemployed parents.
But amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. World Vision Eswatini, through it’s CANGO-funded project called “Halting The Spread Of HIV And Reversing It’s impact In The Swazi Society”, extended a helping hand, offering to lift the weight from Sinethemba's parents shoulders.
With her school fees covered and essential school supplies (uniforms, school shoes, school bag) provided, a flame of determination was ignited within Sinethemba's heart. She re-enrolled for Form 1 at Ngwane Central High School in 2023. Additionally, she received monthly dignity packs from World Vision, ensuring she had the necessary hygiene products to maintain her health and dignity.
Sinethemba, now 19 years old, found herself drawn to the “Stepping Stone” empowerment classes offered by the project. Here, she learned invaluable life skills, including family planning, HIV prevention, and the dangers of relationships with much older partners. Armed with knowledge and newfound confidence, Sinethemba stood tall, ready to chart her own path forward.
But Sinethemba's ambitions did not end there. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit fostered by these empowerment classes, she embarked on a new venture: her own snack business.
"I refuse to be defined by my circumstances," Sinethemba declared, her voice echoing with determination. "I will carve my own destiny, brick by brick, and build a future that shines so bright”.
With each passing day, Sinethemba's business flourishes, her journey from adversity to triumph becoming a light of hope for all who dared to dream. With a heart full of empathy and a desire to make a difference, Sinethemba set her sights on becoming a nurse.
"I want to make a real difference in people’s lives," Sinethemba explained, her voice filled with conviction. "I want to bring comfort and healing to those who need it most."
Sinethemba's story is not just a testament to her own strength and resilience—it is a reminder to all that with courage, perseverance, and the support of others, anything is possible. Through her journey, she not only changed her own life but became a catalyst for change in her community, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her tale.
The project, “Halting the Spread of HIV and Reversing its Impact in the Swazi Society” is funded by Global Fund through CANGO and targets adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10 – 24 years in 14 constituencies; Mtfongwaneni, Kubuta, Ntontozi, Nkwene, Gege, Somntongo, Matsanjeni, Mahlangatsha, Zombodze, Mhlume, Mayiwane, Ndzingeni, Maphalaleni and Hhukwini. It also targets 10 tertiary institutions, including Southern African University (SANU), University of Eswatini (UNESWA), William Pitcher, Limkokwing, VOCTIM, Good Shepherd, Ngwane College and Eswatini College of Technology (ECOT).