Hey there! I'm Gnina Freedom Msitsini, a 41-year-old dad of three from Phophonyane, Eswatini. I've had quite the journey! From growing up in a small town to finding my passion in carpentry, my life's been a rollercoaster of ups and downs. After leaving high school, I found myself at a crossroads, bouncing between odd jobs and feeling stuck. But fate had other plans. Inspired by my father's craftsmanship, I dove into carpentry, starting with the basics like sanding and painting. It wasn't glamorous, but it lit a fire in me. Fast forward to today, and I've carved out a niche for myself under the shade of a tree, crafting everything from TV stands to benches. It wasn't easy. I hustled hard, saved every penny, and even worked as a security guard to fund my dream of owning a workshop. Now, I'm living that dream, working alongside Mr. Ginindza, honing my craft every day. It's not just about the work; it's about providing for my family and giving my kids the education I never had. I'm proof that vocational skills can pave the way to success, with or without a formal education. So, to all the young dreamers out there, don't shy away from your passions. Embrace them, because you never know where they might lead. As for me, my next goal? To snag that license and open my very own carpentry workshop.
I am Palesa Dlamini, a calm person who enjoys connecting with others and strives to succeed in everything I do. Born in Monini, a town in the Manzini region, I find joy in reading books and singing. Despite facing hardships, including the loss of one of my daughters, I have four children. My education took place at Bulembu and Nyanyali in Nhlangano, with attendance fluctuating due to home circumstances. Born with eyesight issues, obtaining glasses improved my ability to see, enabling me to return to school. Unfortunately, I couldn’t complete high school, stopping at form 2 due to difficulties getting a new pair of glasses. After moving to Bulembu, I secured a job in forestry, improving our circumstances. My eldest daughter resumed schooling. I encountered Jabulani Manda, a lead builder at Abide Well. Accepting a job offer there brought happiness. Initially unfamiliar with house building, I now enjoy concrete flooring and painting. The lifestyle shift from piece jobs to working at Abide Well is significant. Previously earning E200 ($12) weekly from house cleaning, I now earn much more and can afford my daughter’s school fees. My prayer is for God’s continued blessings on my family, and my dream is for my children to complete their education.