Minenhle Xulu from South Africa

I would like to become a social worker so I can help poor children.

“I am in the seventh grade at the Umalalazi Primary School. Life Orientation, Natural Sciences and English are my favorite classes. Life Orientation treats a lot of different subjects like health, family, work, friendship and social life. I work hard at school so I can make my dream come true.

My favorite sports are netball and Zulu dance. At home, I do a lot of chores like getting water, cooking, cleaning, doing the dishes, tidying up the property, washing clothes… I love helping my mother. She is an inspiration to me because she is so strong and kind.

During school days I get up at 5 a.m., clean up my bed (I sleep on the floor) and get ready for school. It takes a 20-minute walk to get to school. Class starts at 7.30 a.m. and finishes at 2.30 p.m.

Some of the children at my school do not have the money to buy shoes. Sometimes, they are made fun of by other children because they have to come to school barefoot.”

Minenhle Xulu