The hand that rocks the cradle

Many of the young girls at the School of Hope write their Grade 12 exams with a book in the one hand and a baby in the other.

The reason we advocate for young mothers to complete education at almost any cost, is because we believe that an educated mother is almost certainly going to result in an educated child. Gaylene (2009 Bachelors pass), Bianca (2011 Diploma pass) and Fatimah (2012 Bachelors pass) are all School of Hope alumni who managed to successfully balance academics and motherhood. This year, there are three more mothers bravely facing their up-coming Grade 12 trial exams.

We asked our learners why education is important to them.

Jasmine and Faeeda

Jasmine (19): "My education is important to me because I know that without it I cannot make a success of my life. I grew up in a broken home - my father was on drugs and my mother was sick and depended on me. I also had the responsibility of looking after my brother and sister since I was 15. That's when I realised how important education is. Along the way I made some mistakes. I dropped out of school in Grade 11 and used drugs and alcohol to make me feel better. A friend motivated me to enroll at the School of Hope and soon after, I discovered I was pregnant. Now the most important thing for me is for my child to grow up in a loving home,  finish her education and make something of her life." Jasmine has one daughter, 14 months old.

Thandiswa (21): "Many women end up single mothers and they need to be able to create a better future for their children and themselves.  Today getting an education is easier than in the past so we need to grab the opportunity, we need to have the urge to complete our education. We need to break the chain of poverty in order to succeed. Education gives the opportunity for work and security for our children even when we are no longer there." Thandiswa has two children, a girl,3 years old, and a boy, 8 months old.

Jasmine and Thandiswa are both currently in Grade 12, and both want to study Education.

Shakeelah (18): "Without education it will be more difficult to get work, provide for your family and be independent. Jobs are few but by studying further and  qualifying, you have a better chance at getting work." Shakeelah is in Grade 10 and wants a career in travel and tourism. She has an 8-month old baby boy
.

Fatimah (with daughter Ayeesha) is
currently studying Humanities at Stellenbosch University

William Ross Wallace said it best when he penned these words:

Blessings on the hand of women!
Angels guard its strength and grace,
In the palace, cottage, hovel,
Oh, no matter where the place;
Would that never storms assailed it,
Rainbows ever gently curled;
For the hand that rocks the cradle
Is the hand that rules the world.