I grew up in a small, run-down house on the village outskirts of Thohoyandou, a town where hope often felt like a luxury we couldn’t afford. Money was always scarce. My mother, a single parent with no steady job, worked tirelessly, taking whatever odd jobs she could find, just to keep food on the table for our family of eight. No matter how hard she worked, it was never enough. The walls of our home felt like they were closing in on us, the weight of poverty pressing down every single day. But deep inside me, even as a child, there was a stubborn flame of hope. I refused to believe this was all life had for me.

School became my refuge. From the first grade, I clung to books like they were lifelines. Reading and journaling weren’t just hobbies, they were my escape, my way of dreaming beyond the four cracked walls of our house. At night, I’d lie on the thin traditional grass woven mats I shared with my siblings, staring up at the roof where the cracks stretched like spiderwebs, and whisper to myself, “I’m going to make it. I won’t stay here forever.” That dream wasn’t just a wish, it was a survival instinct. If I didn’t believe in something better, I wasn’t sure how I’d survive, if at all.

Years later, when I received that college scholarship, it felt like the universe had finally answered my prayers. I remember clutching that acceptance letter, my hands shaking, tears blurring my vision. A young Black woman from a family that barely scraped by, with no blueprint for success… I had done it. It was more than just an opportunity, it was a revolution. For the first time, I could taste freedom, from poverty, from the small-town limits, from the voices that whispered, “People like us don’t get to win.”

Graduating with my pharmacy degree was another milestone, another victory. I had chosen this path, because it promised stability, because I wanted to prove to myself and the world that I was capable of more than what my beginnings suggested. But reality hit hard. Every “entry-level” job demanded “experience” I didn’t have. The doors kept closing.

Now, in my late twenties, I’m still fighting. Some days, the exhaustion is so heavy I can barely move. The dream of building my mom a real home, of giving her the comfort she deserves, sometimes feels like it’s fading. And in my weakest moments, I wonder: Was I foolish to believe so much in myself? Does a comfortable life really exist?

But then, I remember.
I remember the little girl who read books by candlelight because the electricity was cut off. The little girl who walked miles to school under extreme weather conditions without shoes, determined to learn. The young woman who refused to let rejection letters define her. That fire inside me hasn’t died. It can’t die. Because this isn’t just my story, it’s the story of so many of us who keep pushing forward even when the world says “No”.

I won’t give up. I won’t lose hope. Not now. Not ever.

By: Mutshidzi

The post When All You’ve Ever Known Is Poverty~ By Mutshidzi appeared first on Sheevolves.world.

You know how they say when you grow up in a burning house, you assume the whole world is on fire? Well, I didn’t grow up in a burning house. Instead, I grew up in a home where we hid the flames. We were all secretly burning inside, but we never dared to speak of it. We wore our armor like a badge of honor, pretending that nothing could hurt us for long. I felt like I was the only one deteriorating from the inside. Now, I pour my flames onto paper, because I want you to know that there are others out there, like me, who keep their fires hidden like a scorching secret. And God said, “I will not let you burn alone.” Here’s my story.

My name is Boga Chebani. I’m a 26-year-old author from Mosetse Village in central Botswana. I’m a young woman with a degree in Health Information Management from Botho University. I managed to overcome depression and unemployment by writing about life’s challenges and deepening my relationship with God. Despite these hurdles, I wrote two books within two years, titled “Olufemi” and “The Final Advice.” Both stories discuss womanhood, the challenges women face, and how to navigate them in reality. They also explore how growing your relationship with God can help you overcome these obstacles.

“Olufemi,” which means “God loves me,” is a compelling tapestry of resilience, love, and redemption set against the backdrop of Enugu, Nigeria. It’s the story of Chioma’s journey through loss and hardship, inviting readers into a universal exploration of the human spirit’s endurance. In the face of tragedy, Chioma discovers the transformative power of forgiveness and the depths of her strength.

My other book, “The Final Advice,” published in 2024, focuses on the role of women in a community. It illuminates a narrative that transcends boundaries and resonates with the universal essence of human existence. As you read, you’ll embark on a journey that delves deep into the life of a remarkable woman. This central figure’s resilience, compassion, and determination have left an indelible mark on our community. The story serves as a testament to the power of individuals to shape their surroundings and inspire change, while also highlighting the rich diversity of roles and responsibilities that women play in our society.

My other book, “The Final Advice,” published in 2024, focuses on the role of women in a community. It illuminates a narrative that transcends boundaries and resonates with the universal essence of human existence. As you read, you’ll embark on a journey that delves deep into the life of a remarkable woman. This central figure’s resilience, compassion, and determination have left an indelible mark on our community. The story serves as a testament to the power of individuals to shape their surroundings and inspire change, while also highlighting the rich diversity of roles and responsibilities that women play in our society.

By: Boga Chebani

Social links  

Both books are easily accessible on Amazon. If you need to contact me, my number is 75444625. Link to buy the book: THE FINAL ADVICE 

Link to buy the book: Amazon.com: THE FINAL ADVICE eBook : Chebani, Boga: Kindle Store

Facebook: Boga Chabeni 

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My name is Zinhle Ndyike, and I’m from the Vaal Triangle, specifically in Meyerton/Highbury-Henley on Klip. I want to take a moment to share my story in the hope that it reaches those who have ever felt overlooked, belittled, or underestimated. I understand how isolating those feelings can be, and I hope my experiences can offer some comfort and inspiration to others who might be facing similar challenges.

As a young girl, I never imagined that one day I would find myself in an LSEN school… an institution dedicated to children with special needs. I began my education in a mainstream school, but struggled in a class of 40 students. My grades slipped, and I found it difficult to concentrate. It was a challenging time, and I felt the weight of judgment from peers who did not understand my needs.

Eventually, I moved to Krugerlaan School, a special school that welcomed me with open arms. Initially, I faced criticism from children who came from mainstream schools, including some I had once sat alongside. However, I made the decision to let go of the negativity and allow God to guide me. In smaller classes of 10 to 15 students, my academic performance improved, and I began to thrive. I felt God’s presence in my life, even when I couldn’t see the full picture.

Over time, I earned six diplomas and certificates and served as a Representative Council of Learners (RCL) member for two years. I later pursued a four-year hairdressing course, earning a certificate that led to a career as a professional hairdresser. Despite being labeled by some as “abnormal” because of my learning special needs, I knew that God had a plan for me.

Today, I stand proudly as Miss Sedibeng’s First Princess, having won an International Award representing South Africa in the beauty queen category. My journey has taught me that criticism and judgment are tests meant to strengthen the warrior within us. To achieve greatness, we must rise above discouragement and surround ourselves with those who uplift and inspire us.

I have shared my experiences through an article about my life, hoping to encourage others who feel undermined. My aim is to be an example of hope and demonstrate that judgment does not define our worth… rather, it is the beginning of a new, empowering chapter in our lives.

My journey hasn’t been without challenges but because of all of my hardships, my story has become a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in oneself. Giving up whenever things get hard is not an option. Hold onto your dreams and focus on positivity. We all face all the challenges, but those challenges can build us into stronger individuals. If I could overcome my obstacles, you can too.

To anyone feeling lost or doubtful, remember that you don’t need validation from others. Seek your strength from within and from God, and you can become a future leader. Don’t let criticism deter you from greatness, let it fuel your growth towards successful testimonies.

You are a survivor, a warrior, a game changer. Together, let’s inspire and uplift those who are suffering from judgment and criticism just because they are different. Together we can become the change we want to see in the world.

By: Zinhle Ndyike

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My name is Christian Mwandingi. I’m from Namibia and a single mother of 4 sons.

This is my love story of going through rejection by all four fathers of my 4 children when each one of them abandoned me the day he found out that I was pregnant.

My family and friends also misunderstood me and gave up on me, mocking me, gossiping about me and calling me names. It was very hard for me to take care of my kids alone from the 1st one to the 4rth one without their fathers or family support, and I was not working.

Seeing all my four children growing up without knowing their father’s love and even their faces was excruciating.

Many people would wonder why I never learnt my lesson from the first pregnancy, but life has its way of rolling out, and with blind sight, you might delay seeing a pattern.

I cried every day from my 1st pregnancy until the fourth. I have tried so hard to keep the relationship with the fathers of my kids, but things always end up the way I don’t want them to be.

History kept repeating itself until my last child, when I decided to go to church for delivery, and thanks to God, things are getting better.

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I am a female, bold and bright all day long
I sweat and still go on
I pull up and show up in my hood
The compliments from my peers sometimes overwhelm
Reality strikes and weighs on my shoulders
It is the pressure that comes with a compliment

I go to my hood with pride
I always look forward to seeing where all of my success started
Where my current derives from
I feel and I am touched by the circumstances, yet
The reality strikes and weighs on my shoulders
It is the pressure that comes with a compliment

My home town Is my home
Not only my mama’s house but the entire hood carries me
My peers show long appreciation
Elders give love and expectations
Drilled into being a role model
Striking a balance between being me and still rolling for those who look up to me
The reality strikes and weighs on my shoulders
It is the pressure that comes with a compliment

I do charity work
I show up and bring change
I get compliments, and the bar is raised higher
I am just a little one who wants to be treated like every young one in my hood
This instant respect, even from elders, is overwhelming
The reality strikes and weighs on my shoulders
It is the pressure that comes with a compliment

I am a female, bold and bright all day long
I pull up and show up in my hood
The compliments from my peers sometimes overwhelm
The reality strikes and weighs on my shoulders
It is the pressure that comes with a compliment

BY-Nonny

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My name is Aisha Abdulraheem Bamidele, and I am based in Kano State, Nigeria. I am the founder of the Aisha Women’s Rise Foundation, an organization dedicated to empowering young girls, women, and even boys with skills that can help them achieve financial independence. Over the years, I have had the privilege of visiting 34 schools—both junior and senior secondary schools—and 17 local government areas, including Gezawa, Kura, and Gwarzo. My mission is to equip these communities with practical skills like baking and tie-dye, so they can stand on their own feet and contribute meaningfully to their families and communities.

To date, we’ve reached over 5,000 individuals. Initially, our focus was solely on empowering young girls and women, but during a visit to the Mariri IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camp, we discovered a pressing need among boys as well. While visiting with the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Kano, we taught the boys how to do tie-dye, and they were incredibly attentive and eager to learn. This experience inspired us to include boys in our empowerment programs, realizing that financial independence is something everyone—regardless of gender—deserves.

Our work also extends to the grassroots level, because that’s where the real change starts. Many girls in these areas are forced into early marriages, and we want to help them break the cycle by equipping them with the tools for self-sufficiency. In addition to teaching skills, my foundation distributes sanitary pads to girls in the schools we visit. It’s heartbreaking to discover that many of these girls don’t even know how to use pads and resort to using makeshift alternatives like cut cloths due to the high cost of sanitary products. This is a dire issue, and I feel compelled to do something about it.

Some of our most committed participants have even gone on to practice the skills they’ve learned, sharing pictures of their progress and sending heartfelt prayers in return. It is incredibly rewarding to see them thrive, and it drives me to continue this work.

However, I believe the impact of this work could be far greater if more support were available. I call on the government and other organizations to collaborate with us, as there is a real need for assistance, especially in empowering these women and children who are striving for better futures.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of many more, helping them rise above the challenges they face and unlock the full potential within them. Every effort, no matter how small, counts in building a brighter, more self-sufficient future for these communities.

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