December 8, 2021
Phila Unotse Project: Educational Support for a Needy Family
Through the Phila Unotse (Be healthy, economically stable and informed) project, made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Young Heroes has supported 985 orphan and vulnerable children (OVC) with school shoes.
One of the beneficiaries is Nozamile Dlamini,* a nine-year-old adolescent girl in Grade 3 at St Aidens Primary School under Pigg’s Peak constituency. She lives with her unemployed mother, Ms. Samantha Dlamini, and two siblings under challenging conditions. Sometimes they don’t know where they will get their next meal. During an assessment, the project team noted that Nozamile did not have a pair of school shoes for a year. She wore flops or went to school barefoot despite the harsh cold weather conditions often experienced in the country.
Additionally, through the same project, Young Heroes supported Nozamile’s sister, Thoko,* with school fees. After passing Grade 7, Thoko could not enroll in her secondary education due to insufficient funds. Young Heroes facilitated her Form 1 enrolment and paid for her school fees. Thoko is one of 162 OVC supported with school fees through the project implemented in the Hhohho region.
“I am at a loss of words for what Young Heroes did for my children as I cannot afford to take care of their basic needs. I am eternally grateful for everything Young Heroes has done for my family. Thank you so much, Young Heroes,” said Samantha.
*Names have been changed
Tags: Education, Eswatini, orphans, OVC, Phila Unotse, USAID
