Mbabane – Patience, 25, from Lomahasha in eastern Eswatini, began her tertiary education at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology in Mbabane yesterday, joining dozens of first-year students for orientation. She is pursuing an Associate Degree in Business Information Technology.

Raised by a single, unemployed mother and now a young mother herself, Patience faced significant challenges in pursuing her education. Providing for her child while planning her future once felt impossible.

Her opportunity to return to school was made possible by the Halting the Spread of HIV project, implemented by World Vision Eswatini with support from The Global Fund through the Coordinating Assembly for Non-Governmental Organisations (CANGO). The project helped her complete her high school education and provided essential knowledge on HIV prevention.

Through the project’s “Stepping Stones” sessions, Patience gained confidence, resilience, and a renewed sense of ambition. She now hopes to apply these lessons as she navigates student life and works toward building a better future for herself and her child.

Patience is among many Adolescent Girls and Young Women supported by the initiative, which aims to empower young women, promote self-reliance, and reduce the impact of HIV across Eswatini.