Bianca is on the Final Stretch to Living Her Teaching Dreams

Photo Credit: Supplied

Bianca’s lifelong love for children is taking her on a journey to the front of the classroom and lifting her family out of struggle.

Cape Town, South Africa (29 January 2026) – From as far back as she can remember, Bianca Verwey was drawn to caring for children. Memories of playing “school” with her dolls and finding joy in spending time with younger children, whether family members or children she’d just met, easily come to mind and ignite her passion.

“That natural love for children stayed with me as I grew older and eventually inspired my desire to become a teacher. I realised that teaching is not just about education, but about nurturing, guiding, and shaping young lives,” Bianca tells us.

Naturally, after finishing school, the next step was to pursue this dream. Bianca enrolled at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), where she has found the course both interesting and fulfilling.

“It has helped me understand children more deeply, from child development to creative teaching methods that make learning fun, engaging, and playful. The course has strengthened my passion for teaching and confirmed that this is truly the path I am meant to follow.”

Her goal is to be a teacher who is present, supportive, and compassionate, particularly for children who need extra care and attention.

Chasing her dream has provided a welcome escape from a challenging upbringing, marked by moving from home to home and spending time in foster care. Bianca often lacked the attention, stability, love, and care that every child needs to develop emotionally and mentally.

“It was a challenging journey, but it shaped who I am today. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of children who come from difficult backgrounds, especially those who are often neglected or overlooked.”

Giving her family a better life is her biggest motivation. Bianca’s mother lives with schizophrenia, and her brothers had to leave school at an early age and now struggle with substance abuse. Knowing she is their only hope for a better future keeps her going, even during the hardest times.

“Whenever I feel like giving up, I remind myself that completing my degree will allow me to change not only my life, but theirs too. Obtaining my degree would change everything for my family. It would allow me to provide stability and support for my brothers and help guide them back into education. I would also be able to ensure that my mother receives the medical care and support she needs,” she says.
Related Story
Zizipho’s New Chapter After Years of Caregiving

On a deeper and more personal level, achieving this educational milestone would be a symbol of overcoming adversity and achieving something that once felt impossible.

“Career-wise, it would allow me to step into my calling as a teacher and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children who need it most,” says Bianca.

Though she currently has some financial assistance from NSFAS, the funding does not cover outstanding historical debt, and it came after she had already accumulated student debt in 2022.

She is now rallying to raise funds to pay it off so she can successfully obtain her qualification at the end of her final year and shine as a beacon of hope for her loved ones. To make this a reality, donate to her crowdfunding here.