Thabani Msomi

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 absent, I ended up living in children’s homes. Living with 25 other kids comes with certain challenges but I had to ignore these challenges and focus on getting excellent grades to keep my dream alive. 

Despite my late start, I finished school at 19 and I was super proud of myself when I got 5As and 2Bs in Matric. But finishing school meant I had to leave the orphanage and had no home.

I was so worried that even though I’d worked so hard my Matric results might not be fruitful, but YES Trust came through and helped me make my dream a reality. 

YES Trust paid for my studies and provided food and shelter as well as advice and emotional support.  With their support, I was able to obtain two degrees – a BCom Accounting and BCom Honours in Management and Financial Accounting.

Today I work at Umngeni-Uthukela Water as GL Administrator/ Financial Accountant, and a few months ago, I bought my first home.  This is a major achievement for anyone, but especially for someone with my background. 

I will forever be grateful to YES Trust sponsors and committee members who changed my life, and continue to plant positive seeds in the life of struggling students. and bring hope to brothers and sisters who are in need of the support that the YES Trust family provides.