Biography

In 2001, I enrolled in a Master’s degree program at the University of Swaziland. I was doing it part-time because I was also deputy principal at St. Philip’s High School. I self-sponsored my studies whereby I had to travel by public transport to Luyengo campus twice a week, pay tuition fees and purchase the books needed. I first heard about the KSAL programme from another KSAL Fellow from Siteki, my home town. My supervisor encouraged me to apply for funding to complete my dissertation research and my degree. My proposal was successful and the financial support enabled me to collect data countrywide, finish my Master’s degree on time, and support my family. The opportunity I was given by KSAL was life-changing. The programme provides the opportunity for people to further their studies, secure good jobs, and be able to take care of their families. The KSAL leadership workshops I attended taught me how to change the behaviour of my learners and teachers, and moreover how to inspire them. While studying for my Master’s degree, I decided that I wanted to be a principal in a rural school where I could make the most difference. In 2010, I was promoted to principal of Sidvokodvo Nazarene High School which has 173 learners and 19 teachers. In the three years I have been at the school, I have come up with lots of designs and initiatives to shape and improve its External Examination Results. Hence, Form 5 Results have improved each year: 2009 was so remarkable such that my school was position 21 out of 185 high schools in Swaziland. My ability to write proposals for grants and win donor funding has also benefitted the school community. Projects include building teachers’ housing near to the school, completing the renovation of the administration block at the school, fencing the school, starting production of maize and vegetables for the school kitchen, installing tap water and constructing pit latrines. Through interacting with instructors, Fellows, and alumni, the KSAL workshops and forums inspired me to pursue my studies. Currently, I am studying for my PhD in Agricultural Education at the University of Swaziland. In November 2016, I finished my coursework and now doing research work as a PhD candidate.