Seven youngsters live in this spotless little brick house in Imbali Township. Their mom died a few years ago and the eldest sister Senamile looks after them all.

Sena has stalled her education to care take the family. She is 25 years, completed grade 10 and did very well. She has signed up for night school, will have to repeat grade 10 because of the new curriculum, and intends getting her grade 12. She loves figures and accounting and her dream is to further her studies in this area. Sena is a solid well grounded young woman.

Sena only gets ‘care giving’ grants R220 = $32 for the 4 younger kids; we are unsure why she doesn’t receive foster grants ALTHOUGH we imagine it’s due to lack of the appropriate documents like birth certificates.

Senamile

Samkeliswe (Samke) Shange

Samke has a sunny and bright disposition, speaks good English and is a studious 18 year old. She is in grade 11 at the local high school. She is in the drum majorettes at school and loves to read English books to improve her language skills.

Her dream is to study law so that she can help families improve their lives.

She needs computer training which is not available in the Township schools.

Nomonde Mkhize

Nomonde is a quiet and withdrawn young 13 year old lass who is an only child. Her mom died in 2002 and she came to live with her aunty and the Shange family. Her aunty died in 2006.

She is a sad youngster and we have noticed her perk up over the time we have known her. She is in grade 5 at the local primary school where she plays netball and also likes to play ladies soccer.

She likes school although she is struggling. Her favourite subjects are natural studies and her maths is good.

She dreams of being a social worker one day so that she can help needy people. She also dreams of her own house and car.

We chatted about the possibility of counselling at Lifeline offering her a chance for one on one support and an avenue to express herself; she agreed. Luckily Lifeline turnaround time is a day and we provided transport fare for her sister to take her the next day.

Luyanda Shange

Luyanda is an 8 year old in grade 2 at the local primary school. She loves running and also singing in the school choir.

Sena says she suffers nightmares, waking up crying and also sleep walks. She is doing ‘okay’ at school.

Her dream is to be a high school teacher and to drive a nice car and own her own house.

Nosipho Shange

Nosipho is a 6 year old in grade 1 at the local primary school. She loves school and reading and writing in particular.

Running is her sports activity at this stage.

She dreams of being a doctor and having a car and keeping people happy and loved at all times.

Vuyokazi (Vuyo) Madlala

Vuyo is a 3 year old attending the local pre-school; a cheerful little soul who never knew her mother given that she was a baby when mom died.

She loves to play around and her dream is her first day at school!