Every family faces challenges, but some moments feel heavier than others, especially when a child begins to lose their way. This is a story of one young man, his devoted mother, and the transformation that happens when families receive the support they need.

Not long ago, our community workers visited a home where a mother was deeply worried about her teenage son. Although he was in his mid-teens, he was still in a much lower grade than his peers. Years of repeating the same grade had taken a toll on him. He felt embarrassed about being older than the other children in his class, and the teasing he faced only deepened his frustration. He struggled to read, found it difficult to follow lessons, and slowly began to lose interest in school entirely.

As school became more challenging, his behaviour changed. He started skipping classes, slipping away to spend time with peers who were heading in the wrong direction. He stayed out late without telling anyone where he was, regularly dismissed his mother’s instructions, and stopped completing his homework. At home, tensions grew. His mother tried everything she could: encouragement, discipline, and conversations, but nothing seemed to reach him.

In her distress, she reached out for help to GCF.

When our team arrived for the home visit, they found a young man who, despite his behaviour, still had hope inside him. He listened respectfully and allowed space for an honest conversation. He admitted that he knew his behaviour was disruptive—sleeping in class, making noise, ignoring his mother, and even getting involved in gambling games with friends. Beneath it all, he shared that much of his anger and withdrawal came from feeling ashamed of his academic struggles and of being “the older one” in the class.

It was a moment of honesty, courage, and vulnerability.

With support, he made a promise—to try again, to listen to his mother, and to focus on giving himself the chance he deserved.

Over the following weeks, small changes began to appear. He spent more evenings at home. He reconnected with his schoolwork. He distanced himself from negative peer groups. He started helping with house chores, showing respect at home, and behaving more responsibly. The young person who once felt defeated was slowly rebuilding trust and confidence.

A turning point came when he joined his mother in the Sinovuyo programme that we do together with the Department of Social Development. Being in these sessions, he learnt about communication, self-control, resilience, and positive behaviour. His mother learnt new approaches too; ways to support him, encourage him, and walk the journey with greater understanding. The programme created something they had both been longing for: connection.

Then came the message that moved all of us.

One day, not long ago, his mother phoned one of our community workers with immense gratitude, saying that he had passed his year-end exams after repeating the same grade multiple times. She said she could finally see a shift in him. He was trying, he was motivated, and he was beginning to believe in himself again. “It’s not perfect yet,” she said, “but I can see the difference. I am so grateful.”

Today, this young man is still on his journey, but he is moving forward with pride. His story shows what becomes possible when families are supported and when children are given the chance to grow within a secure, understanding environment. Sometimes it does not have to take much, just a listening ear and some guidance.

At Give a Child a Family Africa, we believe that change happens through patience, compassion, and early intervention. Families can heal. Children can grow. And every small step forward is worth celebrating.

Because every child deserves the chance to feel safe, supported, and hopeful about the future.