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 about 20% of the population graduates from high school, many vulnerable children lack the resources for basic nutrition and education. Similarly, in South Africa, the risks for young girls are stark, with reports indicating a girl is more likely to be assaulted than finish high school. Adding to her hardships, Linnah is HIV positive, relying on antiretroviral medication to maintain her health.

Tragedy struck when her mother, sent to buy sugar across the street after work, was fatally hit by a truck. This devastating loss shattered Linnah’s dream of becoming a nurse. Her educational journey was further disrupted by frequent school absences due to financial difficulties, and matters worsened when her grandmother passed away, leaving her without any familial support.

Fortunately, a possibly distant relative took Linnah in, and the organization SOHO began providing monthly food parcels to alleviate some financial pressures, though school participation remained a challenge.

Recently, Dr. Dawn Lewis, a board member of SOHO US, along with volunteers Busi Ncube and Cynthia Prime, visited Linnah. Her aspirations were reignited when she talked about her school experiences. Thanks to Dr. Lewis’s efforts, a sponsor was secured for Linnah, giving her a chance to pursue her educational goals actively.

For many orphaned and vulnerable girls like Linnah, school is not just a place of learning but a sanctuary. Education offers them a crucial pathway to a better, more secure future, opening up a world of possibilities that once seemed out of reach.