It has been happy years of studying for me, since I joined Sabona Trust! I have always had the passion to be a Social Worker; to be involved in development work, to read, to explore and to travel. Studying is very challenging because of strenuous work programs, but with determination and support from my family and my good friends at Sabona, I managed to fulfill my dream. Yaah, very tough, but easy if the people around you support you! It all started when Sabona first funded my short course in Computers in 2004. It was an eyeopener for me, I had just come to the city after 4 years of teaching in the rural areas. I was so excited! In 2005, I began working for Sabona full time as a Helpfund coordinator and doing office administration work. The opportunity to work for Sabona paved way for more studying and a lot of traveling, meeting people and going to the UNISA department of psychology, studying HIV and AIDS Care and Counseling. The study was challenging, and I managed to achieve insight within issues concerning HIV and AIDS. Thus the counseling course played a pivotal role in my work at Sabona.

In 2006, I started studying for a degree in Social Work with the Unisa. But due to economic challenges, I had to take a break after having finished my first year of studies. In May 2009, I again enrolled for yet another Professional Diploma program in HIV/ AIDS Management and Development studies. Of which this is my recent qualification in my educational dream of holding a Masters degree in Development studies. At the present moment, I have just applied for a Post Degree program in Development studies, with a local state university. If my application is successful, I will start studying in May 2010. Also, I am doing part time, thus twice a week in the evenings studies, with a local Theological College for a Diploma in Theology. Wow! What a combination; theology and development studies!
I am so grateful to Sabona Trust for their financial support and I owe it all to you, Sabona!

Yours truly, Marita Hlumbayo.