Theresa, School Cook and George Community member. She has one daughter in George.

“I sent my daughter to George as it is very near our home and it will be a boarding school so she will study harder and not play so much when she is at home. Also, it is much safer for her to travel here than to Twapia. They can be attacked on the way and sometimes people chase them. She was supposed to go to Mwabombeni Basic School for Grade 8 and 9 but it is expensive. She would probably have dropped out because I could not afford the fees.

If the school expands it will bring development to the compound and our children will be educated. We are working here at the school to work together with the children and the teachers to help our community. George SS is helping me in many ways. I am working here now so I can raise money for children. I had to stop my last job because I was sick with malaria and have not been able to get another job since then.

Also, it is much safer for her to travel here than to Twapia. They can be attacked on the way and sometimes people chase them.

I would be very happy if the school continues like this and the fees stay the same. In George, we are very poor and have many vulnerable children. I have one older daughter who is 16 and she is not in school. She stays at home and doesn’t do anything because I could not afford to send her to school. If I had more help or money I could send here back to school as well, but I am alone and can’t manage.
With this new school, our community will be built up. There won’t be as many street kids or as many children out of school. We want our children to be educated and George Secondary School is the only chance they have.”