Child Protection Advocacy Groups are Changing Lives and Realising Dreams

At World Vision South Africa we are inspired to see no child without. This has impacted children in realising their dreams. Snethemba’s childhood dreams of going to university and travelling the world have come true through World Vision’s investment in her life.

Snethemba grew up in the rural Okhahlamba community in Kwazulu Natal which meant that her exposure to the outside world was limited. Her dream to study at a tertiary institution when she grew up was hindered by a lack of accessibility and opportunity.

Becoming a member of one of our Child Protection and Advocacy Groups was the stepping stone to the future Snethemba dreamed of.

‘I attended the children’s retreats, workshops, training and discussion forums where we were taught about peer pressure, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy, low self-esteem and some of the factors that can hinder us in making our dreams come true.’

Snethemba believes that the one phrase that that has kept her persevering is: ‘You can choose to change your life and your family’s life for the better or you can choose to destroy it as well.’

She soon realised that her dreams could grow even bigger.

Through hard work, commitment and the ongoing support and encouragement from our Area Programme, Snethemba excelled in her matric exams in 2014 and in 2015 she began her Journalism studies at the Creative Arts College in Pietermaritzburg. She is also studying Law part time.

Her dream of travelling the world was realised when she applied for a three month Cultural Student Exchange programme to work in the USA. She was accepted to be part of the ICE ‘Santa is coming to town’ exhibition at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Centre in Texas.

‘I am the first person in my family to travel overseas,’ says Snethemba with pride.

From an underprivileged rural community to travelling the world, there is no limit to what one can achieve through access to resources and support.

Snethemba’s gratitude to World Vision South Africa for the role they have played in changing her life and motivating her to work hard to achieve her dreams has resulted in her giving back to the community by being a role model to younger children and youths.

This is her message to others: ‘Never limit yourself and get out of your comfort zone because not only privileged people succeed, but rather those who work hard, regardless of where they come from. Our future is in our hands.’