Dreams of being a nurse could now become a reality

Nomvula received a lot of practical nursing experience in caring for her chronically ill mother and father. Unfortunately after losing her mother she also became the lone carer for a house full of children and her sick bed-ridden dad. Despairingly her dream of being a nurse was almost lost as the search for the next meal became a priority, that is, before the SOS family strengthening programme in Nhlangano, Swaziland, came to give her back hope.

Nomvula finished school last year and recently turned 20 years old. Like other school leavers she wants to study further and has many dreams for a good future. But, unlike most other school leavers, she does not have a mom. She does have a father who is chronically ill and five siblings to take care of. Nomvula would never have finished school and her father may already be dead if the family strengthening programme linked to SOS Children's Village Nhlangano did not step in to help this family.

Nomvula sat one day filled with gratitude and wrote about how the SOS family strengthening programme changed her family's life ...

"The family strengthening programme has made my life easier and brightened my future which was fading by the time I got much needed assistance. I lost my mother and my father is chronically ill. This programme paid for my education and still pays for my sibling's education, and provided our family with food - that was the short term plan."

In the long term the programme provides me with life skills and livelihood assistance in order for me to produce enough food for my sick parent and siblings. The family strengthening programme also provides medical assistance for my sick father through the SOS Medical Centre. The staff of the programme has become part of my family as we are even taught how to live, not relying on the programme but being able to do things on our own like planting back yard gardens. I have learnt how to plant a potato in a wheel, and grow trench gardens that do not use chemicals. This programme has brought back hope to us. I have even been trained on how to take care of my father who is HIV positive. I also get psychosocial support and go to youth group support camps.

What I like to do

I like to sew using both my hands. I can also use a sewing machine. But as there is no sewing at the moment I do what needs to be done at home, and I listen to music. I also enjoy reading magazines and short novels.

What I like to play with
A computer is one thing I enjoy as I like playing the games. I can spend the whole day in front of the computer but because I have finished school I don't have access to one anymore.

Dreams and goals
Since I have completed school, I am applying to study nursing at the local university or at nursing college in the country, or elsewhere. After my studies, I will build my young brothers and sisters a big house where they will live with my father.

I also wish to own a house with three bedrooms, a sports car, and would love to have a small family which I will be able to care for. And, yes, I will have a computer!"

* According to United Nations figures, close to 40% of adults in Swaziland are living with HIV and Aids - the highest infection rate anywhere in the world.

SOS Children has been working in Swaziland since 1990 and has our Family Strengthening Programmes have supported communities since 2001 including child-headed and grandparent headed families.