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“It’s completely out of my expectations.” Those were teacher Londiwe Dlamini’s words, when she shared with us the wonderful news that she had been accepted to study Psychosocial support at the University of Swaziland (UNISWA).

Londiwe has been working at Matjana Preschool since 2015. In her three years she has worked hard to keep the classroom running smoothly when her co-teachers have been away studying. But she has not yet had the opportunity to do any tertiary studies herself.

She will start studying for a Bachelor of Psychosocial Support at Swaziland’s oldest university, not really knowing what to expect. “I never thought that I would study at university, at least not before I started working at Matjana. I didn’t really think I would be accepted so soon because it usually takes some time in Swaziland, and this was the first time I’d applied. It all comes out as shock but at the same time I am over the moon”, Londi said.

Londi is looking forward to going for orientation on the first week of August and later on she will start her studies. “I’m really looking forward to studying,” she said. “The course is all about children and also the youth, so I see it will help me to be a good teacher.”

The university fees will be covered by a private sponsor who is also a friend of Matjana Preschool. “I could not afford the course fees by myself. What I get from teaching will be just enough for buying what I need and for travelling to the University every weekend. I’m so thankful to the friend who is sponsoring my studies,” Londi said. “This will definitely change my life.”

To celebrate Londi’s success, and to give the students an opportunity to congratulate their teacher, we ate cake. “I’ve also been waiting for teacher Michelle to buy me a cake. She has always been next to me, encouraging me and the other teachers, but it was the first time for her to buy me a cake,” Londi said. “I thank her very much for the sweet, big and nice cake she bought for our celebration. It was a nice way to celebrate together with our precious kids and colleagues.”

In other news, Everyone wants to play the marimba, our new present at Matjana Preschool.

Fundraising update

We also say a big thanks to Londi’s sponsor, and the friend who will be supporting teacher Swane, who has also been accepted to study for a Bachelor of Psychosocial support part time. We’re happy to have Qiniso on board to help out, and hope that he will also get an opportunity to study sometime soon. If you can, lease help us to continue developing Matjana Preschool, and the teachers who make it possible for the Matjana kids to have fun with the marimba and lots of other things.

If you can help us with a few dollars to continue the work that we do, please donate to one of our bank accounts:

SWAZILAND BANK ACCOUNT 

To donate to the Swaziland account use the following details:

• Bank: Standard Bank Manzini
• Account name: Matjana Preschool
• Account number: 9110001038268 
• BSB number: 66056441 
• Bank SWIFT Code: SBICSZMX

 Your bank may also require some or all of the following details to facilitate a transfer to Swaziland:

• Beneficiary name: Matjana Community Preschool
• Beneficiary physical address: Ndabeni area next to Matjana Primary School, Kaphunga Chiefdom, Shiselweni region, Swaziland
• Postal address: PO Box 3713, Manzini M200, Swaziland
• Standard Bank address: Cnr Nkosehlusaza and Louw Streets Manzini

AUSTRALIAN BANK ACCOUNT

To donate to the Australian account send a cheque (payee: Friends of Matjana Preschool) to PO Box 1542, Armidale, NSW 2350, or use the following details to make a direct deposit:

• Bank: The Community Mutual Group
• Account name: Friends of Matjana Preschool Inc
• BSB: 932000
• Account: 719585