Renewed hope for the future: Neliso’s Journey Through Education Support

Neliso Mathonsi is a young woman (20) from Maphilingo, a community 20 km from St. Philip’s mission, Eswatini.

A single orphan, she was raised by her elderly grandmother.

In 2023, she was identified by a Life Mentor and introduced to Cabrini Ministries Eswatini’s HIV prevention and education support services.

Having completed her primary education through the government’s free education program, Neliso dropped out of education, as she could not afford to continue with high school due to financial challenges at home. With support from Cabrini Ministries under the Litsemba Lakusasa Project, funded by USAID, Neliso was enrolled back in school and guided to register for the orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) school fees program.

However, when USAID funding was terminated, Neliso once again dropped out of school. Aware of her grandmother’s financial struggles, she decided to seek employment and found work at a local sewing and manufacturing factory.

During household assessments conducted by the Education Department, Neliso was re-identified as a school dropout. She expressed her deep desire to return to school. Cabrini Ministries engaged with her school, which agreed to re-enroll her even though the first term was already underway. With renewed support for her school fees, Neliso successfully re-enrolled and is continuing her education.

Neliso’s story is a powerful testimony to the importance of education support. Without financial assistance and mentorship, many vulnerable children like her would not have the opportunity to complete their education. Today, Neliso is back in the classroom, with renewed hope for her future.