At just 19 years old, a young mother from Riverside View is carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders—but her determination to build a better future is nothing short of inspiring.
She is a first-year law student at UNISA, juggling her studies with caring for her two-year-old child and helping at home because her mother is battling cervical cancer.
“I chose UNISA so I could study online and still take care of my family,” she said. But the reality is a daily struggle.
“My home situation is really tough. We’re a family of five, and we only rely on the Sassa grant for my child because I used to receive a grant too, but it was cut off when I turned 18. Now we have to survive on just that one grant,” she explained.
Life has been harsh for this young mother. “Sometimes we go without food and sleep on empty stomachs because there is nothing else we can do. We’re still sleeping on the floor, and my child doesn’t have proper clothes for school.
It was difficult to think about sending my child to crèche when we couldn’t even cover basic needs. The most painful thing is that sometimes we have to use toilet paper as sanitary pads because we cannot afford even that,” she shared.
Before help came, she was losing hope. “I was managing poorly, relying on the little grant we get, but it was never enough,” she said.
Then came Shika, a caring community member, who made sure her two-year-old child could attend Dakalo ya Pfunzo Foundation.
“Now that my child can attend crèche, it’s a huge relief. It means the world to me and my child. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders knowing that my child is safe and learning while I’m out looking for work,” she said, tears welling in her eyes.
But her struggles continue. “We still face many challenges. The little grant goes to food, clothes, and other essentials, and it’s just not enough. It’s hard to think about the future and how I’ll provide for my child’s education.
Your support can make a huge difference in our lives,” she pleaded.Her story is one of strength, but it also reflects the silent battles many families face in Riverside and Diepsloot every day.
For Itumeleng Joyce Mokone, founder of Dakalo ya Pfunzo Foundation, this is exactly why she opened the crèche in 2021.
“When I moved to Riverside, I saw small children roaming the streets and parents who couldn’t afford preschool. We started with 10 children who didn’t pay anything. Some were orphans, and others had unemployed parents,” Mokone said.
Three years later, Dakalo ya Pfunzo continues to provide a safe space for children to learn and grow—but the need is overwhelming. “Some parents even end up sending their children back to live with grandparents because they can’t afford preschool.
If the community and businesses can come together to sponsor school fees, donate resources, or even provide food supplies, we can change lives,” Mokone said.
Early education is critical, Mokone emphasizes. “Crèche isn’t just about keeping kids busy—it’s where they learn social skills, build confidence, and prepare for formal schooling. The earlier they start, the better their chances of success later on.”
This young mother is fighting hard—studying law, caring for her sick mother, and raising her child with almost no income.
One act of kindness gave her child a chance, but there are many more families waiting for the same opportunity.
If you can help—whether by sponsoring a child’s school fees, donating food or clothes, or offering any form of support—please reach out to Dakalo ya Pfunzo Foundation. Together, we can give hope, one child at a time.