On average over the past five years, we have sponsored 8 girls per year in South Africa.

The following story is from one of our beneficiaries, highlighting her ambition and the obstacles that prevented her from completing secondary school before she was sponsored.

To protect her identity, the name of the girl has been changed.

Rehema’s Story

“I’ve decided I want to be a lecturer and after that, study to be a public prosecutor. When I become successful, I want to give my money to the poor and motivate people who have low self-esteem because I was also in that situation. Lastly, I want to spoil my mum with anything and everything she wants, because she has always protected me things have been bad”

Rahema’s life has never been easy. Growing up with her mother and younger brother in a shack, she has no electricity or even the funds to buy candles or paraffin. Her environment is dangerous, with gang violence and rape the daily norm. Her mother is a part time domestic worker who gives everything she can to help her children, but it is barely enough for them all to survive.

It was discovered that Rahema’s ongoing eye problems was due to the fact she needed glasses. The CGEF were able to pay for a pair, in addition to her school fees, uniform, stationary, shoes and sanitary products. These items helped her to feel more confident and comfortable, as a young woman growing up in a challenging environment.

“I live in an environment where there is water pollution, noise pollution and gang violence. It is by the grace of the Lord that my family and I are alive, because we live in a dirty/unhealthy environment and the shack we live is not built in a proper way. Sometimes when it is raining we face a big challenge because water goes through”