Khanyisile is a soft-spoken but strong-willed young woman who grew up in rural Umtwalume. She was born one of eleven children, but has since lost all but three of her siblings. She attended the local schools in the area and joined Thanda when it began offering an after-school programme in her school in 2008.

After passing her Matric in 2010, she began volunteering with Thanda and after one month of volunteering, she was hired to teach Grades R & 1 in Thanda’s After-school Programme. She taught for one year and then applied for a scholarship through Thanda to attend Oceanview Nursing College. “When I was finally selected to receive the scholarship, I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy. I wouldn’t have ever had this opportunity if it weren’t for Thanda.”

Khanyisile began studying at Oceanview College in 2011 and spent two years doing her practical. In May of this year, she took her final exam and passed. “I’ve faced many challenges in my life. My mom passed away in 2012 while I was at Nursing school and my father passed away four years before that, but Thanda gave me the courage to wake up every morning and stand up for what I believe in. I can see a way forward because I believe in myself now.”

Khanyisile is currently teaching again for Thanda while she waits to receive her official Nursing certification. In September, she will be able to start applying for nursing jobs in nearby clinics and hopes to one day manage a team of nurses.

With a smile on her face and genuine authenticity in her words, she says, “I might be shy, but I love people and taking care of those who are in need. It makes me proud that I can help others.”