Empowering Women and Communities: The Love Trust's Impact in Thembisa

The Love Trust, a non-profit organization rooted in education and community development, has been creating transformative change in Thembisa since its founding in 2009. By focusing on empowering women through training, employment, and support, The Love Trust aims to break the cycle of poverty and uplift vulnerable communities through its Nokuphila School and Teacher Training Academy.

Through the stories of three remarkable women—Ntswaki Mahlope, Charlotte Mashego, and Millenium Monyama—this article sheds light on the real and lasting impact that The Love Trust has had on individuals and families in Thembisa. Each of these women contributes to their community in unique ways, demonstrating the strength of empowered women and the importance of organizations like The Love Trust.

Nourishing Futures: Ntswaki Mahlope

Ntswaki Mahlope, 48, plays an essential role in Nokuphila School as part of its nutrition program. Starting her journey with The Love Trust as a volunteer in 2012, Mahlope soon transitioned into a permanent position as a receptionist in 2014, and by 2016, she was part of the kitchen team. Her dedication and hard work are evident every day as she arrives at 6:45 am to prepare breakfast for the learners—a crucial part of ensuring their well-being and helping them start the day with energy.

Mahlope is currently pursuing her NQF Level 5 qualification through the Nokuphila Teacher Training Academy, with hopes of opening her own Early Childhood Development (ECD) center in the future. Her passion for working with young children and improving their lives is what drives her, and she attributes her personal and professional growth to The Love Trust.

“I can’t even express how much the Nokuphila family means to me. They are my own family, and they are helping the whole community by working with the learners and their families, preparing food parcels that ensure no one goes hungry,” says Mahlope.

For Mahlope, the stability provided by her job has been life-changing. It has allowed her to give her children access to quality education, with both now studying at the tertiary level. Her story is a testament to the ripple effect that empowering one individual can have on an entire family.

Administration that Empowers: Charlotte Mashego

At 37, Charlotte Mashego plays a pivotal role in Nokuphila School’s operations as both the Debtors Clerk and Learner Enrolment Administrator. With a career spanning finance, auditing, and shipping, Mashego’s vast experience is now being channeled into the education sector—an industry she is passionate about.

Mashego's day-to-day responsibilities include data capturing, reconciling accounts, managing learner enrolments, and working closely with the school’s social worker to conduct home visits and interviews. These tasks are vital to the smooth running of Nokuphila School, and her attention to detail ensures that the learners receive the support they need.

Although she dreams of becoming a Chartered Accountant, Mashego is committed to staying in the education sector. She believes in the power of education to change lives and is inspired by the Nokuphila staff's dedication to improving the lives of learners. “I find it inspiring how the Nokuphila family lives according to their values. The staff are always trying to make a difference in the learners' lives so that they can go on to impact their communities at home,” she says.

Through her work at Nokuphila, Mashego has not only been able to support herself but has also been able to further her education and assist her extended family financially. Her role exemplifies how education can uplift not just students but entire families and communities.

Inspiring Minds: Millenium Monyama

At just 24 years old, Millenium Monyama is a beacon of hope for the future. As a teaching intern at Nokuphila School, she is also pursuing her studies at the University of Johannesburg. Her path to becoming a teacher is driven by a deep desire to inspire young minds and give back to her community.

Monyama's journey with Nokuphila began in early 2023, following a year-long learnership in Alexandra, where she worked with Stretch SA. During that time, she developed important life skills, including stress management through yoga and enhanced communication and digital abilities. Her time at Nokuphila has further strengthened her commitment to teaching, and she dreams of becoming an all-around entrepreneur in the future.

Her role as an intern involves assisting with the morning transportation of learners, supporting classroom instruction, and performing administrative tasks. Monyama takes great pride in her interactions with students and credits the mentoring she receives at Nokuphila for shaping her into the teacher she aspires to be.

“The school is helping young people like me to fulfil our dreams of studying, and I am learning a lot from my mentoring teacher—I hope to become the same type of powerful teacher one day,” says Monyama.

Financial independence through her internship has also alleviated some of the pressure on her family, allowing her to contribute towards her younger sister’s expenses. Monyama's journey reflects the importance of investing in young women’s education and providing them with opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

The Love Trust’s Lasting Impact

The Love Trust’s focus on empowering women is not only transforming individual lives but also creating a wave of positive change in communities like Thembisa. Through the Nokuphila School and Teacher Training Academy, The Love Trust has made education and upskilling accessible to women who might otherwise not have had the opportunity to further their careers.

Since its establishment in 2009, The Love Trust has grown significantly, with its reach expanding year on year. By providing NQF Level 4 and 5 training, the organization equips black South African women to become accredited early childhood development teachers, which is crucial for the future success of vulnerable learners.

Looking ahead, The Love Trust plans to expand its school to include Grades 8 and 9 and develop further curriculum support for ECD teachers. The organization is also actively seeking partnerships with like-minded organizations to strengthen its efforts in delivering quality education to South Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

Through stories like those of Mahlope, Mashego, and Monyama, it is clear that The Love Trust is not just providing education—it is building a foundation for lasting change by empowering women to be agents of transformation in their communities.

Conclusion

The Love Trust is more than just an organization; it is a lifeline for women and children in Thembisa. By providing educational opportunities, fostering personal growth, and supporting the professional development of women, The Love Trust is helping to build a brighter, more equitable future. As these women thrive, so too does the entire community, proving that when you empower a woman, you empower a nation.