A letter from Alice Mleme to her sponsor
Dear May
I am Alice Mleme, the one whom you have been sponsoring me for my universities. I am very happy to let you know that I have just passed my final year’s exams, so i have graduated in B Commerce - Internal auditing, all thanks to your generosity. As I sit down to reflect on these past four years, I am filled with gratitude and amazement as to how far I have come. The journey has been more than just academic; it has been a transformative period of personal growth, self- discovery, and meaningful connections.
Until four years ago, I was just a girl from a small village, with dreams bigger than my circumstances. Life was simple, yet challenging. My ambition to pursue further education was met with many obstacles. But I held onto my belief that education could change my story. Now, as a graduate, I look back at that young girl and realize how far I have come - not just in terms of academic achievements but in my understanding of the world and my place in it. And all these have been made possible through the kindness and generosity of you.
My journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Fochta. They became my bridge to opportunity, providing financial support, mentorship and encouragement when I needed it most. Through their support, I was able to focus on my studies without worrying about the burdens that often weigh down on underprivileged backgrounds. Fochta’s impact goes beyond material support; they instilled in me a sense of hope and the courage to dream beyond my immediate surroundings.
While academic studies were central to my life during these years, my experience extended far beyond the confines of lecture halls and textbooks. Joining the choir was one of the most enriching decisions I made. Music became not just a hobby but a source of joy, healing and community. Through the choir, I have formed friendships that i will cherish for a lifetime. We were more than just a group of singers; we became a family. Singing together took us to different places, allowing us to share our talent and passion with diverse audiences. These moments of travels and performances taught me teamwork., discipline and the power of collective effort.
Life over these four years has been a series of lessons - some taught in classrooms, others through experiences. Here are a few of the most important ones:
Resilience - challenges are inevitable, but perseverance makes all the difference.
Gratitude - every opportunity is a gift, and acknowledging those who help us along the way is crucial.
The value of community - whether through my choir or my academic peers, I have learnt that we thrive better together than alone.
Self-belief - coming from a small village, I often doubted whether I belonged in the space I now occupy. But with each success, I have grown more confident in my abilities and potential.
Since my secondary days, and then first year up to the fourth year, Fochta has always been there for me. They have been providing me with tuition fees, upkeeps which include money for rentals, food and other basic needs. It provided me with devices which include a phone and a laptop.
My graduation will be held in March next year. I look forward afterwards to a new chapter in my life.
Thank you once again most sincerely.
Alice Mleme.