Back to School: building confidence, motivation and hope

“My career dream is to be in the police so I can keep my family safe. I live with my gran and three sisters. I like dancing, reading and doing my homework because I always get good marks at school and my gran is very proud of me. When attending Life Skills you learn about respecting and helping others. I like my school uniform because it makes me feel good.”

“You have supported me since Grade 5. My gran raised me because my mum had me when she was very young and was unable to care for me. My mum is still at school trying to change her life. I am in my final year and am proud of myself. I have applied to study accountancy at university. I want to be an independent businesswoman so I can help my family. Thank you very much for helping me. May you all be blessed.”

“I live with my parents and five siblings. I want to be a zoologist to protect animals. In Life Skills, I have learned how to be kind, work hard and trust God even when things are difficult. I know God has a plan for me.” In his old uniform, he felt shy and sat quietly. Now he is confident speaking in class, ready to learn and his marks are improving. “

“I live with my mum and five siblings. My dad left us when I was young and life has been very hard. I dream of becoming a nurse. I enjoy reading and love running and playing with my friends. When I received my school uniform, it was one of the happiest days of my life. Without it, I might have dropped out of school like my older sister. When I wear my uniform, I feel like I belong. Thank you for helping me stay in school.”

“We have been monitoring attendance, grades, and behaviour and have noticed that Back to School students have increased attendance, academic performance, and confidence and engagement in school. We have started a chess club to enhance critical reasoning, problem-solving and strategic thinking. It has also fostered a sense of competition and team spirit among students.”

Kate Johnson, Project Leader at Key Ministry.

Sinatra (E3 CEO) first met Anna* on the streets of Pietermaritzburg, searching for food in dustbins.

She had dropped out of school because of  financial challenges. That day, Sinatra took her and two siblings to a grocery store. E3 bought them food, soap and other essentials, and then took them home.

Through the E3 Back to School Programme, Anna was able to return to school and start again in Grade 8. During Grade 11, she fell pregnant and once again dropped out of school. However, after the birth of her baby, E3 supported her to return to school to complete her education.

We are delighted that Anna passed her Matric (equivalent of A Levels) in December 2025 and now hopes to study Social Sciences at university.

Her journey is a powerful testimony of resilience and determination and shows the difference you can make in young people’s lives by supporting E3.

University support

E3 is enabling young people to go on to university or training so they can escape the cycle of poverty, achieve their career dreams and support their families. Most children who complete school in rural communities stay at home after high school because they do not have access to information about universities in the city and have no idea where to begin. E3 runs career expos so they are well informed and pays university registration fees, so South African students can access a full bursary for their studies. 

Thenjiwe is studying a 3 year degree in Agriculture: Animal Production.

“My first year at university was filled with different kinds of emotions and experiences. Studying is challenging and exams are draining. Adapting to independent learning, time management and academic pressure and overcoming homesickness and loneliness really took a toll on me. I had to learn from my failures and mistakes. I thank God that I managed to pass and I'm ready to go again in the second year. I am very grateful for the financial support from E3. I don’t know how I could have managed to get all the things that I needed during the first semester without you.” Thenjiwe did well in her end of year exams, passing all her subjects and some with distinction. 

E3 supported Helen in Grades 8 to 12 and then paid her university registration fee. She graduated in 2025 with a Bachelor of Social Science in Geography and Environmental Management.

She is an orphan, raised by her grandmother in Swayimane, where it is rare for young people to go to university! She embraced university life and her studies, drawing on the Life Skills she learned through E3 workshops to try her best, pass all her modules and play on the soccer team. She is continuing her studies and working towards being a Town Planner. Amazing!