My Story

My name is Megan. I’m 41 years old and I was born in a typical African middle- class family.

My dad was a peasant farmer with seven children to feed and educate. In my second year of high school, I almost dropped out as my father couldn’t afford my fees anymore. Luckily my former school principal was so compassionate that she allowed me in school on a scholarship. I was good at my studies!

After my form four (Year 12), I left for the city to go and fend for myself. I started working as an untrained teacher with a hope that I’d be able to save and go to college somehow.

Living and working in the slums proved otherwise since the wages that I was earning were so meagre I couldn’t save any money. In the process of struggling, I became a mum and my troubles multiplied. So, the dream of ever going to college faded but I remained hopeful.

Many years later, in 2012, I met a well-wisher who offered to pay my college fees and in 2013 I graduated with a diploma in Early Childhood Development (ECD). I was very happy that now I was a professional.

Nevertheless, even with my diploma it was impossible to get employment especially owing to the fact that I was considered too old to be going around looking for employment. Still the same, it gave me confidence to face life differently and I also renewed the hope of going to university and earning a degree one day.

I kept working as a private teacher and mostly offering volunteer services in the slum. I worked with adolescents and teenagers as a mentor during school breaks. One such charity that I volunteered for (and still do) was The Kickstart Project Inc. These volunteer opportunities allowed me to meet people from around the world. In 2016 I was lucky to meet someone who listened to my story and she felt touched. In February this year, this beautiful friend enrolled me for an online Bachelor degree in Psychology!! This has been made possible through an Australian online education provider who have provided me with an online scholarship opportunity to study with them and I am so grateful!

I’m still working in a private school and I’m also practicing counseling services. I’m happy. Nevertheless, balancing between work, motherhood and college – it’s a little crazy. But I’m gladly doing it. And I’m so thankful to God for sending me help through my sponsor!!!