26/08/2026
Tshepiso was only 8 years old when she learned that the place one calls “home” could disappear overnight.
After her mother passed away, she went to live with her aunt. As she grew older, she moved in with her sister and her sister’s boyfriend. What first felt like a new beginning slowly became a home filled with conflict, violence and fear.
And that fear followed her to school.
Tshepiso had always been a bright learner. She loved science and dreamed of becoming a doctor. But carrying trauma became too heavy. Her marks dropped, her confidence disappeared, and she failed Grade 10.
Then, one Sunday evening, everything changed.
After returning from a school leadership camp, Tshepiso was told to leave the house. Frightened and with nowhere safe to go, she called her social worker.
Although it was late on a Sunday, her social worker came.
That moment reminded Tshepiso of something she had almost forgotten.
She mattered. There was hope. Someone had listened. Someone showed up. Someone chose not to leave her alone.
Tshepiso returned to her aunt and repeated Grade 10. Slowly, she rebuilt her confidence. In 2020, she completed matric as the TOP LEARNER at her school.
With the help of another social worker, she enrolled at the University of Johannesburg. And the degree she chose? Social work.
She wanted to become the person who had once shown up for her.
In 2025, Tshepiso graduated.
Today, she works for the same organisation that once supported and protected her. Now, she is the one showing up for children carrying fear, grief and uncertainty.
Sometimes the child who once needed someone becomes the person who shows up for others. 💛
Help us give more children protection, support and another chance at hope.
Donate here: https://tinyurl.com/548mx83a
*A pseudonym has been used to protect her identity.
