Msizi Myaka

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 postgraduate studies, but I really wished to pursue them.

I was fortunate enough to know Ntokozo, who was a YES Trust beneficiary and who advised me to apply for support.  Had I not met with YES Trust, I would have done everything I could to continue studying, but I would be burdened and in debt.  

The YES Trust made my academic life easier by minimising the financial stress that comes with being a student. Without having to worry about this, it would have been much harder to prosper in academia.

My mentor, Belinda, has been there for me since my journey with Yes Trust began.  Not only for my educational and financial needs, she also ensures that I am doing well, and that I am able to take care of myself.  This will forever live on in my head as one of the kindest gestures I have ever received from a person whom I had not known very long.

The YES Trust panel believed in me from the start, and this has fuelled me with more drive to continue studying even when the going is tough.

 I have now graduated with my Master’s in Criminology and Forensic Studies, after a long journey, but Belinda has supported me all the way.