Name: Bathabile Age: 14

Location: White City Center, Matobo District, Zimbabwe

Bathabile was supposed to be in Form 1, but she had to drop out of school. Her grandmother, Nokuthula Mahlangu (not her real name) could not afford the fees, books, and uniforms. Nokuthula Mahlangu is unemployed.

Bathabile grew up knowing her parents are in ‘Egoli’ South Africa but has never seen them.

She had to drop out of school upon completing grade 7. Her hopes for the future were shuttered she says

“I was hopeless of the future; my grandmother would always talk about marrying me off to anyone who came with an offer. She says I am a grown now,”

“Boys and men from the community are always following me when I go to the community borehole or Grinding mill. I feel at home at the Community Learning Center,” says Bathabile

The DREAMS-RISE project has given Bathabile a restart on education but regrets time lost as she wishes to catch up with her former schoolmates.

“The educator here is teaching us Mathematics, English, Science, and Ndebele. I am happy that soon I will catch up with my primary school classmates,” says Bathabile

Bathabile is an inspiration to other out-of-school children. She is the one who leads most of the activities they do at the center.

Her story shows that it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve your dreams. The DREAMS-RISE project is helping children like Bathabile with opportunities to reach their full potential.