Reports on Empowering Girls and Women as Mothers

If you walked through my village on a typical day, you’d see a lot of dust, long dusty roads, and quiet houses. Growing up here isn't easy. In my home, it’s just my mom, my grandmother, and my younger siblings. Like so many kids in my village, I don't have a dad around. My mom works so hard just to put mealie meal on the table, but money is always tight, and sometimes the stress in our house feels heavy enough to fill the whole room.

School during the week isn't much better. The classrooms are crowded, sometimes 50-60learners, and going to school can be scary. Older boys pick on those of us who are smaller or whose uniforms are worn out. When you grow up in poverty, bullies make sure you feel it every day—you start to feel invisible, like you don't matter to anyone outside your front door.

But every single week, there is one day I wait for.

When Friday afternoon arrives, everything changes. I put on my scarf, walk down to the community ground, and join my KTD196 group. The moment I see our field, the weight on my shoulders just drops.

What Scouting Means to Me

At KTD196, nobody cares if your shoes are old or if you don't have a dad at home. The adult leaders greet us with huge smiles and respect. For two hours, I get to just be a kid—but also someone who matters.

Here is what we do and why it changes everything for us:

Real Life Skills: We learn first aid, navigation, leadership, and how to protect ourselves and our rights. We don't just sit and listen; we build things, play team games, and solve challenges together.
A Safe Place: There are no bullies here. The KTD196 leaders teach us about brotherhood, kindness, and looking out for one another. The older kids mentor us instead of picking on us.
Role Models: For those of us growing up without a father, the adult volunteers and Rover scouts give us positive guidance, encouragement, and someone wise to talk to when life gets overwhelming.
Hope & Confidence: Before joining, I used to stay quiet in class because I was afraid of making mistakes. Now, through earning badges and leading team activities, I know I am capable of great things.

Why Your Support Matters

Growing up in poverty can make your world feel very small and full of dead ends. But KTD196 opens up a whole new horizon. It gives us a safe haven away from the streets, bad influences, and the daily hardships of home.

When you support KTD196 on GlobalGiving, you aren't just funding weekend activities—you are keeping the light on for hundreds of kids like me across Limpopo. You give us a place to belong, a family that cares, and the confidence to build a better future.

Thank you for believing in us, even when we are miles away!

Thabo