A journey delayed is not a journey denied. This best captures the story of Lepolesa and Noluthando, who missed years of schooling due to the extreme financial hardship at home. However, when the opportunity to attend school finally arrived, they grabbed it with both hands and saw it through to the very end.
Howick, South Africa (04 February 2026) – While most of their friends and peers embarked on the exciting journey of starting school to build a brighter future, Lepolesa and Noluthando were left behind.
Instead of experiencing the innocent, childlike joy of wearing crisp new uniforms or carrying backpacks filled with fresh stationery and a lunch to look forward to breaktime, they remained at home. For years, they stayed in the quiet gap created by missed schooling and the weight of extreme poverty.
However, their story took a different turn the moment they were introduced to the Angels’ Care Centre. They entered the organisation’s Bridging Class having never received a formal education, and together faced the daunting task of catching up on years of lost learning.
Angel Care says Lepolesa and Noluthando’s progress was made possible by a powerful partnership.
“While our educators worked to bridge their academic gaps, our Health and Crisis Centre worked alongside them to provide the vital therapeutic and medical support needed to navigate their difficult backgrounds. This holistic approach ensured that as their minds grew, their well-being was also protected.”
Lepolesa and Noluthando were determined to do well – and they did. They graduated from the bridging programme and transitioned to Thembelihle School.
“The stability of this long-term educational foundation allowed them to thrive, ultimately completing Grade 7 with the confidence and skills needed for the road ahead,” Angels’ Care shares.
The resilience they built at Angels Care and Thembelihle carried them through high school and culminated in a major milestone. In 2025, both Lepolesa and Noluthando matriculated! Not only did they finish what they started, but they also shone as a testament to a journey delayed, not denied.
As they prepare for their next chapter of life after school, Angels’ Care Centre is proud of their resilience and playing a part in changing their lives for the better.
“Their success is the ultimate proof of our mission. By providing both specialised education and holistic support, we don’t just help children catch up – we empower them to change their life stories forever.”
Sources: Angels’ Care Centre
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