Qawe Mrubata

Country: South Africa

My birthday is 2010-11-23

Status: Vulnerable Child

My favorite subject is math.

I enjoy listening to music.

I want to be a scientist.

Qawe Mrubata is 12 years old and lives in a village called Rhabhula. At home, he lives with his grandmother, father, mother, sister, and cousin. His name means “hero.” Qawe’s favorite subject is mathematics, and his favorite sport is soccer. He wants to be a scientist when he grows up because he loves science. He feels happiest when he is listening to music. Qawe lives at Intlantsi Christian School in Fort White during the school week.  On the weekends, he goes back to his village, Rhabhula, where he lives with his grandmother.  While Fort White has the most modern amenities available in the area, the surrounding villages are quite different.  In the villages, people collect water from a communal tap and use outhouses.  Though they have access to electricity, most villagers cannot afford to pay for an electric meter. Most of our children have grown up attending no-fee schools, where they are provided what may be their only meal for the day.  Most boys like Qawe do not finish high school.