Eight-year-old Mbali Nomusa Mathabela was left to fend for herself after her father abandoned her at Marekamp, where she hid in the bushes from potential abusers day and night. Eventually Mbali received assistance from an elderly Gogo who gave her a place to stay in her shanty, and SOHO stepped in to provide a food package each month. Yet because…

Fleeing genocide in Rwanda and hoping to find a new beginning, the Frederick family arrived in Eswatini a couple of years ago. The parents and their eight children first stayed at a small refugee camp at Mpaka. Among their many challenges, they did not understand the language of their host country and had few possessions beyond the clothes on their…

At just 15, Linnah Mouse has already faced numerous challenges. Raised in poverty, her mother worked tirelessly in the manufacturing district of Matsapha to meet their needs, while her grandmother cared for her. Despite her mother’s modest income, maintaining consistent school attendance was a struggle, with uniforms and additional fees frequently posing barriers to Linnah’s education. In Eswatini, where only…

For Tenele Mdululi, the shadows of abuse loomed over her life long before she stepped into her teenage years…

Lives are easily lost among the population of orphaned and vulnerable children in Eswatini.  Injuries that may not ordinarily be life threatening, can be, because medical help is not always readily available. Visits from professional groups and university students make a huge difference. Such is the case of the 20 doctoral students who visited Eswatini to volunteer their services with…

Fortunate’s journey is one of determination and success. She overcame challenges, pursued cosmetology, and found her passion in baking. Today, her thriving bakery business reflects her resilience and faith, with a mission to empower others.

Ncamiso Mkhwais a ‘double’ orphan who refuses to be constrained by the adversities of life…