My name is Nogwu Klimbalagwase, and I grew up in Whiteville, although I also lived in Leachville and Vosloorus at different times during my childhood. After completing my secondary education at Dalpark Secondary in 2020, I applied to several universities, aiming to study psychology or social work. However, when I didn’t get accepted, I was devastated, especially after all the hard work I had put in. My mum, seeing how disheartened I was, discovered a social auxiliary worker course in Johannesburg. Despite my doubts, I decided to pursue it, and after some research and support from my family, I enrolled and paid the registration fees. Although my mum was unemployed, we managed to make it work, and I began my studies.

During my studies, I faced financial challenges and almost got expelled from college due to unpaid fees, but I stayed determined. After graduating in 2023, I found it difficult to land a job, as I was afraid of facing rejection again. It took me some time to start applying for positions, but eventually, I joined the Pathway Programme, which significantly boosted my confidence and equipped me with essential career skills. I learnt that rejection is simply part of the journey, and with renewed focus, I started applying for jobs again. After a few interviews, I secured a position and signed a permanent contract in January 2024. Today, I walk tall, confident in my abilities, and extremely grateful for the support that helped me get here. A heartfelt thanks to the Pathway Programme for providing the tools and hope I needed to succeed.