My mother left when I was 9 months old and my late grandma raised me.  Unfortunately, due to lack of finances she could not provide the basics I needed to have a normal childhood, and because I didn’t have a birth certificate, I only started Grade 1 when I was 11. Because my parents were…

Thinking back to my freshman year in 2013 summons up mixed emotions — emotions that I have long wanted to forget. Emotions of hopelessness, anxiety, and despair supersede the emotions of excitement and happiness. I was born in Durban to parents who could barely eke out a living to sustain the family, yet a great…

My career began in 2014 when I joined YES Trust as one of the students funded by the trust. I was studying Teaching (Foundation Phase) through the Embury Institute for Higher Education (now Stadio). During my college years, I was privileged to receive accommodation in Pinetown, provided by YES Trust, which facilitated my travel back…

I was lucky enough to have a scholarship in high school and applied for every possible scholarship for university.  I was overjoyed when I was offered a scholarship for my entire law degree, but my school funders offered to continue with their support for my university and I chose to stick with them.  After I’d…

I would describe myself as a resilient, determined and zealous person. I am studying for my postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) at Stadio in 2024 and was fortunate to be sponsored by YES Trust who also assisted me in my undergraduate degree, a BA in English and Dramatic Arts. After graduating with my BA, I…

I was born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. Growing up, I was surrounded by a family that placed a high value on education. My mother and father instilled in both my brother and me the importance of learning from a young age, and always working hard to achieve our goals and dreams. My educational…

After completing my hard-earned Master’s degree in Population Studies, I embarked on a journey filled with professional growth and impactful work. I decided to put my plans for a PhD on hold as I wanted to embrace a leadership role as a Site-Coordinator at IRD South Africa, spearheading vital research on COVID-19 and Mental Health….

Academic stress alone is hard to combat as a student, but when there are also financial problems, it makes the journey worse. When I was doing my undergraduate years at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg campus between 2017 and 2019, I was funded by NSFAS. I knew that NSFAS would not fund me for my…

A Journey of Hope and Transformation.  Born in the small village of Mhlwazini in the Eastern Cape, I am the youngest of six children and the only boy in my family. Growing up with five older sisters, I quickly learned the value of perseverance and family support. My journey through education took me from Nagari…

When I first heard of the YES Trust organisation from one of my teachers, I was in matric.  I was very nervous about my interview with YES Trust. It was my first and I did not know what was expected from me. But the patience and love they showed me at this interview helped calm…