My name is Queen Mongani, and I’m 22 years old from the Free State. Life changed drastically when I lost both my parents. I moved to Gauteng, but without any family or support, I found myself in a tough situation. That’s when a neighbour reached out to social workers, and I ended up at Kids Haven in 2020.

At first, I was emotionally scarred and unsure of my future. But Kids Haven wasn’t just a shelter—it was a place of healing. They didn’t rush me into education or vocational training. Instead, they helped me rebuild myself. Through therapy and the support of a loving community, I learned to heal and rediscover my strength.

Once I was ready, Kids Haven helped me return to school. I worked hard to catch up on my studies and developed a passion for agricultural sciences. Though life didn’t take me down that path, it led me to something else: baking.

In 2022, I joined the Youth Hub programme, which introduced me to a baking learnership. I doubted myself at first, surrounded by ambitious, creative people, but I kept going. I experimented with baking, and today, I’m proud to say that I can bake anything — cakes, pastries, and more. Soon, I’ll be a certified pastry chef.

Thanks to Kids Haven, I’m on a path I never thought possible. They believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself, and they’ve shown me that no matter how tough the road is, you can always find your way.

If you’d like to try my cakes, follow me on Instagram: @queen_mongani.