Ayanda

Ayanda lives in Nhlangano, Eswatini and grew up in a rural area far from the city. Her mother passed away when she was young and life with her stepmother was so difficult that she often went without basic needs. Her father dismissed her concerns and she began failing in school. With help from her uncle, she restarted her academic journey and graduated from high school. Ayanda shared, “This adversity taught me that there is power in retrying and going all out to pursue your goals.”

Ayanda learned at a young age about the Christian faith due to her father's role as a pastor. During a pivotal moment of a sermon at school, Ayanda realized her involvement with the church didn't translate to a personal relationship with Jesus. She repented and committed to a life of prayer and spiritual growth. She joined Young Life when her friend invited her to club and now serves as a team leader. “God has helped me remain a faithful and committed young person, able to conquer temptations faced by so many, especially young girls, who suffer from teenage pregnancy. God has taught me to accept myself, accept my family situation and strive to change it. I want to be a person who can bring change to society by sharing my faith.”

Ayanda will be the first in her family to graduate from university. She is studying business at the Institute of Research Management and Development and one day hopes to use her leadership skills as a business owner.