The Power of Second Chances: Tenele’s Journey from Hopelessness to University

For Tenele Shongwe, success did not come on the first attempt. Instead, it came through resilience, determination and the support of people who believed in her potential.

Growing up in Mhlume, Tenele completed high school in 2022, but her examination results were not what she had hoped for. Like many young people facing disappointment after school, she found herself at home in 2023 with no clear path forward.

"I was disappointed," she recalls. "I knew I could do better, but I didn't have an opportunity to prove it."

Everything changed when a World Vision youth mentor, working under the Halting the Spread of HIV Project, visited her home. The mentor introduced her to Stepping Stones, a programme designed to empower young people with life skills while reducing their vulnerability to HIV.

Through the sessions, Tenele and other young women learned about HIV prevention, the importance of making informed life choices, financial literacy through savings and lending groups, and the value of becoming self-reliant. More importantly, the programme restored her confidence and gave her hope for the future.

"It taught me that I have value and that my future depends on the choices I make today," she says.

During her participation in the programme, Tenele was presented with an opportunity that would change the course of her life. She was asked whether she would like to return to school through the project's education support.

Without hesitation, her answer was yes.

"Even though I had not done well before, I knew I was capable of succeeding if I was given another chance."

With support from the project, Tenele re-enrolled at Lusoti High School, determined to rewrite her story. She approached her studies with renewed focus, perseverance and confidence.

In 2025, she completed high school with outstanding results, opening doors that once seemed out of reach. Encouraged by her achievement, she applied for the 2026 academic intake at the University of Eswatini, where she was accepted to study towards a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics.

For Tenele, the acceptance letter represented far more than admission to university. It symbolised a future she had almost given up on.

"The support I received changed my life. If I had not been given another opportunity to go back to school, I don't know where I would be today. I am grateful to World Vision and everyone who believed in me."

Although she is excited about beginning university, Tenele says she is taking with her more than academic qualifications. The life skills she gained through the Stepping Stones sessions continue to shape the decisions she makes as she prepares for the next chapter of her life.

"I have learned to make wise decisions, to believe in myself, to plan for my future and to work towards becoming independent."

Tenele lives in Mhlume with her mother, two sisters and two brothers, whose encouragement has been a constant source of strength throughout her journey.

Her story is a powerful reminder that when young people are given a second chance, they can overcome setbacks, unlock their potential and build brighter futures. Through education support and life-skills programmes that strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerability to HIV, the Halting the Spread of HIV Project is helping young women like Tenele realise their potential and pursue opportunities they once thought were beyond reach.

Today, Tenele is no longer defined by the results she once received. Instead, she is defined by the determination that carried her from disappointment to university, and towards a future filled with promise.