Grade 8, Malvern High School
In a tiny village called Makhanda on the south coast, situated in a valley, there was a girl by the name of Nono. Nono was staying with both her siblings after both her parents had passed away, as they had been infected with the coronavirus. When she was only 12-years-old they would get help from neighbours and the small amount they received from the social grant.
She became an orphan and a “parent” at an early age. Like every child in the village, she had to do her school work and collect firewood. She used to prepare food for the small family even though there was no electricity in the village. Life was sometimes tough for Nono because it was so hard to be a “parent” and a child at the same time. Nono did not let all the difficulties she faced shut down her dream of being a social worker. This dream came to her mind after her parents passed away. There was a lovely lady named Mrs Sithole who helped them to apply for social grants. She used to be so kind to them, as if she were their mother. Sometimes when she passed through the village, she would bring them some parcels. Nono admired Mrs Sithole’s work and thought that that was the job she wanted to do one day. She also remembered the first burgers they ever tasted were brought to them by this wonderful woman.
Time flew by and Nono’s dreams were about to come true, since she passed her Matric with flying colours. Nono was called by the school to celebrate her achievements at a function which was to be held in Durban. Nono was scared since she had never set foot in that town. As this news surfaced, the person who came into her mind to accompany her as her mother, was Mrs Sithole. She called her to tell her the good news. Mrs Sithole was so happy about this. She also promised Nono that she would assist her with the university studies, since she had knowledge about her background. Mrs Sithole had an idea of how to apply for a bursary that could help Nono go further with her studies. Also, in Mrs Sithole’s mind, she was prepared even to use her own resources to help Nono. Nono graduated as a social worker through the help of Mrs Sithole.
Mrs Sithole became sick and she had a severe stroke. Her family decided to take her to an old age home since they said no one was going to look after her at home. The old age home sent her to where Nono was employed on her first day of work. Nono did not even think that she would meet someone she knew in such a place. Nono was early to start her new job at the home centre. They explained the job. Nono started her routine at work when her eyes came into contact with Mrs Sithole who was in a wheelchair. Nono cried as well as Mrs Sithole, unstoppable tears.
For Nono it was tears of pain but for Mrs Sithole they were tears of joy that Nono ‘s dreams had come true.