From Zinzi's blog... Against All Odds

Date Released: Wed, 6 April 2011 10:23 +0200

Joyce Boniswa Teyise started out as a preschool teacher at Thorn Grove Farm where she was born. From there she moved to Grahamstown where she worked as a waitress at Mad Hatters Coffee Shop. She is now an ECD Course Co-ordinator at CSD with her B.Ed degree finally in hand. After a long journey of obstacles she will now be graduating on April 8th, 2011.

She decided to study further several years ago but studying as an adult with other responsibilities became increasingly difficult as the years went on. She had children to think about and put their needs before her own. Being a single parent and managing poor health as well were few of the many challenges she had to face which made her lose focus and put her dreams on hold. It took a lot of courage to keep going. She admits that it would not have been possible without the enduring support from friends, fellow students and some of her colleagues who were always happy to lend a hand. “More importantly, I would not have been able to afford to study had it not been for the financial support from Rhodes University!” she confided with a smile of gratitude. “I didn’t feel the pressure of the fees.” She added. First and foremost, it was Joyce's family, in particular her mother, who supported her through it all.

Joyce enjoys being out on the field doing site visits, interacting with the community and the childrenat the Toy Library more than being at the office. She loves the people she helps in the community because their stories are what keep her motivated to keep doing the work she does. She told me to never lose hope for the things I most desire because if I really want something I should never let the hope of one day acquiring it die inside me. She pushed forward until what she most desired was hers. Well done and congratulations on your achievements, Joyce!