Class of 2007

Currently applying for college and university acceptance. This class has completed the 6-month Forward Education bridging program and studied hard together to write thier up-grading grade 12 exams this past November.

Winny Shabangu

Most of the time, Winny lives in a nice home with her Aunt and Uncle and a horde of others. Her room alone holds 5. Her Uncle has been out of work for the past 6 years, so her Aunt is the breadwinner: working as a domestic in a hotel 45 minutes away. Winny’s Aunt says she would like to help ‘these girls’—meaning Winny and her younger sister Fikile who now has a brand new baby—but she just has too many children of her own, so she is thankful for Winny’s opportunity to do Forward...

Stanley Mbowane

Stanley Mbowane is one reliable young guy. Every one of his smiles is big as the sky. When he dances—he always dances—it’s the same dance, no matter the song. When a plan is made or an event proposed, Stanley’s the one to organise it. He’ll carry what needs to be carried, stay behind to clean up, and arrive early for class the next morning. He’s always there...

Patrick Masuku

It’s rare to discover a prudent young man: not too brash, not too mild; full enough of life to be motivated, yet experienced enough in its cycles to avoid anxiety. When he exists, that young man will possess an easy confidence certain to bring peace, simplicity and, if skill is added to the mix, success in his life: not too excessive, not too meagre...

Fortunate Maile

Fortunate Maile just turned 19. She lives with her two brothers. Her father died when she was 6, and her mother was shot, in front of Fortunate, on the street in 2003. Fortunate is a leader in the Masoyi youth programme, specializing in public speaking and group facilitation, and she teaches the Better Choices seminar to her peers. After her mother’s death, Fortunate did not receive government orphan benefits, due to a lack of advocacy...

Gugu Sibanda

Gugu Sibandu is 20 years old, and lives with her 3 sisters, 2 brothers and a niece in her parents’ home. Her father died in 2003 and her mother in early 2006. Gugu finished high school in 2005 and began work as a hairdresser to help the family during her mother’s illness. She is a lead singer in the Masoyi youth choir. She dreams to study and work as a Social Worker in her community. Gugu is Forward Education’s top academic student...

Selbie Mashabane