by Simon Publisher | Jan 14, 2026
In 2020, my family’s world changed forever when we lost our mother. Beyond the heartbreak, I knew I had a responsibility to ensure my family could live in safety and comfort. In 2021, during my very first year of working, I made the decision to take out a loan to build a proper home for us.
The current struggle started in 2022. I have been dedicated to paying back this loan. It has been a long three years of balancing my own needs with the responsibility of this debt. While the house is a blessing, the financial strain has left me feeling stuck and unable to move forward with my life or support my family in other ways.
The remaining balance on the loan is R60,000. My goal is to clear this debt so that I can finally breathe and focus on providing for my family without the weight of high interest and monthly installments.
We are currently living in the house with very little furniture because every cent has been going toward the loan repayments. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward the loan settlement.
Thank you for helping me honor my mother’s memory and secure my family’s future.
by Simon Publisher | Jan 14, 2026
Dear incredible community,
As I sit down to write this, I’m filled with a mix of emotions – sadness, exhaustion, and hope. As a single mother of 5 beautiful children, I’ve been carrying the weight of responsibility on my shoulders for far too long. I’ve been strong, resilient, and determined, but the truth is, I’m tired. I’m tired of the struggles, the disappointments, and the constant feeling of being overwhelmed.
I’ve been running on empty for what feels like an eternity, trying to provide for my children, give them a roof over their heads, and put food on the table. But in the process, I’ve lost myself, my joy, and my sense of purpose. I’ve been living in survival mode, just trying to make ends meet, without any support or respite.
But today, I am making a desperate plea to you, dear friends, to help me make my dream a reality. I want to buy an island, a place where I can escape the chaos of the world, and start anew with my children. A place where we can grow our own food, build a home, and create lifelong memories together.
This island represents more than just a piece of land; it’s a symbol of hope, freedom, and the possibility of a brighter future. It’s a place where I can heal, recharge, and rediscover myself, away from the constant demands and stressors of everyday life. It’s a place where my children can run wild, explore, and grow without the burdens that I’ve carried for so long.
I’ve been feeling suffocated by the pressures of life, and the weight of responsibility has become crushing at times. I’ve felt like I’m drowning, with no lifeline in sight. But I’ve held on to the dream of this island, and it’s been the only thing that’s kept me going.
I’m not asking for much, just a chance to start over, to start fresh, and to give my children the life they deserve. I know it’s a big ask, but I’m counting on the kindness, generosity, and compassion of strangers to help me make this dream a reality.
by Simon Publisher | Jan 14, 2026
In 2020, my family’s world changed forever when we lost our mother. Beyond the heartbreak, I knew I had a responsibility to ensure my family could live in safety and comfort. In 2021, during my very first year of working, I made the decision to take out a loan to build a proper home for us.
The current struggle started in 2022. I have been dedicated to paying back this loan. It has been a long three years of balancing my own needs with the responsibility of this debt. While the house is a blessing, the financial strain has left me feeling stuck and unable to move forward with my life or support my family in other ways.
The remaining balance on the loan is R60,000. My goal is to clear this debt so that I can finally breathe and focus on providing for my family without the weight of high interest and monthly installments.
We are currently living in the house with very little furniture because every cent has been going toward the loan repayments. Every donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward the loan settlement.
Thank you for helping me honor my mother’s memory and secure my family’s future.
by Simon Publisher | Jan 14, 2026
My name is Mpho, and I am writing this with humility, hope, and a deep belief in the power of education. I am currently studying to become a teacher, a dream I have carried in my heart for many years. Teaching is not just a career choice for me — it is a calling.
I truly love children, and I believe that every child deserves a teacher who sees their potential, understands their struggles, and is committed to shaping their future with care and patience. Unfortunately, my journey has been interrupted by outstanding university student debt. Despite my determination and hard work, I am unable to complete my studies unless this debt is paid off. This situation has been emotionally difficult, as I am so close to achieving my dream, yet financial challenges stand in my way. I am reaching out with honesty and vulnerability to ask for help. Growing up, I learned early on how powerful education can be in changing lives.
A good teacher can inspire confidence, open doors, and give children hope for a better future. I want to be that teacher — one who creates a safe, supportive classroom where children feel valued, encouraged, and capable of success. I want to especially help young learners who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, just as many teachers once helped me. Every contribution, no matter how small, would bring me one step closer to completing my studies and qualifying as a teacher. Your support would not only help me clear my student debt but would also be an investment in the many children whose lives I hope to touch in the classroom one day.
By helping me, you are helping to build a future where children are guided, supported, and educated by someone who truly cares. I understand that times are tough for many people, and I am deeply grateful for any assistance, prayers, or even shares of this message. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can express. I promise to honour your support by dedicating my life to teaching, learning, and shaping young minds.
by Simon Publisher | Dec 23, 2025
My name is Mpho, and I am writing this with humility, hope, and a deep belief in the power of education. I am currently studying to become a teacher, a dream I have carried in my heart for many years. Teaching is not just a career choice for me — it is a calling.
I truly love children, and I believe that every child deserves a teacher who sees their potential, understands their struggles, and is committed to shaping their future with care and patience. Unfortunately, my journey has been interrupted by outstanding university student debt. Despite my determination and hard work, I am unable to complete my studies unless this debt is paid off. This situation has been emotionally difficult, as I am so close to achieving my dream, yet financial challenges stand in my way. I am reaching out with honesty and vulnerability to ask for help. Growing up, I learned early on how powerful education can be in changing lives.
A good teacher can inspire confidence, open doors, and give children hope for a better future. I want to be that teacher — one who creates a safe, supportive classroom where children feel valued, encouraged, and capable of success. I want to especially help young learners who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, just as many teachers once helped me. Every contribution, no matter how small, would bring me one step closer to completing my studies and qualifying as a teacher. Your support would not only help me clear my student debt but would also be an investment in the many children whose lives I hope to touch in the classroom one day.
By helping me, you are helping to build a future where children are guided, supported, and educated by someone who truly cares. I understand that times are tough for many people, and I am deeply grateful for any assistance, prayers, or even shares of this message. Your kindness and generosity mean more than words can express. I promise to honour your support by dedicating my life to teaching, learning, and shaping young minds.
