Matching Gift: Empower Young Leaders in Eswatini
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Adventures in MissionsEvery dollar will be matched up to $50,000. The SLA is raising up world changers. Will you join us?
$87,077
raised by 24 people
$100,000 goal
Update #5
In the heart of Eswatini, where dreams are nurtured and transformed, one young leader's story stands as a testament to the incredible potential that lies within the youth of this remarkable nation. Meet Zanele Phetsile Khoza, a resilient 23-year-old from the Thulwane rural area, part of the Manzini region.
Her journey from hardship to hope is a true inspiration, and we are thrilled to share her remarkable story with you.
Growing up with six brothers and one sister, Zanele's family shared the challenges that many in Eswatini face. Zanele's educational journey was not without its struggles. After enduring bullying during her high school years, she emerged with a determination to pursue her dreams despite the obstacles. Zanele's academic results did not secure her a government scholarship, but she did qualify for an associate degree in Information Technology.
While her dreams burned brightly, financial limitations threatened to dim her future.
Zanele was forced to put her dreams on hold, staying home to help her parents provide for her younger siblings.
It was at this critical juncture that Adventures in Missions stepped in to support Zanele's dreams. In 2020, she participated in our leadership training and it marked the turning point in her journey, reigniting her dreams. Zanele's dedication led her to serve at one of our Carepoints in 2021, where her commitment and leadership shone through.
Today, Zanele is a part-time student at Bradford University College.
She’s studying Information Technology, and this path empowers her with not one but three distinct career opportunities: an IT Office Administrator, Systems Developer, and Software Designer. However wide her dreams may be, they are rooted in the responsibility she holds as the breadwinner in her family.
Zanele's spiritual journey is a testament to her unwavering belief in the power of faith. She began attending church at the age of nine and eventually became a Sunday school leader at fifteen. Yet, life's challenges led her to moments of doubt and disbelief.
However, in 2020, she found her way back to her faith. Her renewed connection with God became a source of strength, providing her with unwavering grace, guidance, and direction.
Your Support Makes Dreams Come True!
Zanele's story is just one example of the lives we are privileged to touch through our mission in Eswatini.
We invite you to be part of Zanele's journey, to invest in the dreams of aspiring youth, and to foster lasting, positive changes in Eswatini.
Together, we can continue unlocking potential and turning dreams into reality. We ask you to join our cause, stand with us, and support a brighter future for young leaders like Zanele.
With deep appreciation for your unwavering support,
Scott Borg
A generous partner has offered a matching gift up to $50,000 to help us reach our goal. With your help, we can empower more young Swazi's with opportunities to learn, grow, and lead.
Our CarePoint system currently serves 5500 children around Eswatini. Each year, young people age out and would benefit from further training so they can attain the Bigger Dreams God has for their lives.
That's why we created the Swazi Leadership Academy -- to equip this next generation to address issues like poverty, disease and fatherlessness.
With nearly 58% of rural Eswatini living on less than $1.90 per day, our heart is to give these young people access to education and job opportunities.
Thokozani is one young person who was impacted by our efforts. His story began in 2005 when he was a teenager. His mother became a volunteer cook at the CarePoint, and his siblings received food, discipleship and help with school fees so they could complete their high school education.
In 2012, a pivotal moment occurred in Thokozani's life.
He joined our Swazi Leadership Academy (SLA), a three-year leadership apprenticeship program designed for young adults transitioning from the CarePoints.
From the very beginning, it was evident that Thokozani possessed a unique gift – an incredible ability to connect with people and a personality that radiated positivity.
During one memorable training session, each student was asked to proclaim their dream for their country. Thokozani, in his characteristic calm and confident manner, began to speak of Moses' leadership in the Bible and how he aspired to be a similar leader for the Swazi people.
With unwavering faith, he declared, "I believe God has put something in me that will rise up."
His words carried a deep sense of conviction that left us all in awe.
This moment marked the beginning of Thokozani's transformational journey. His leadership continued to flourish, and he joined AIM as a leader in our ministry, where we reach out to fatherless young boys through soccer.
It was during this time that he met his life partner, and together they welcomed a beautiful baby boy into their lives. Not content to rest, Thokozani used the Dream Fund (provided by AIM) to further his education in Human Resources.
Fast forward to today, and Thokozani is a 31-year-old husband and father working full-time in the Human Resources department of a logistics company. He eagerly anticipates pursuing his Master's degree, all while seeking to become the leader that God has destined him to be.
Thokozani's story serves as a testament to the power of dreams, faith, and unwavering commitment to a vision.
It embodies the heart of our work in Eswatini and showcases the incredible impact your support can have on young leaders like Thokozani.
Will you help us expand?
To accommodate the growing number of students in our program, the SLA facility is in need of expansion. This includes the construction of a dining hall/classroom and the provision of beds for the students.
Our goal is to raise $100,000
We invite you to be a part of this life-changing mission. Your contribution, no matter how big or small, can help us continue developing leaders like Thokozani who are not just changing their own lives but impacting their communities and the world.
Join Us in Building Dreams - Make Your Impact Today
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Enjoy this video 100% made by the students of our Swazi Leadership Academy!