Latest Stories - LISHA'S JOURNEY OF IMPACT AND INNOVATION

17 Jul, 2024

On the Waterford hill, a beacon of change flickers brightly in the form of Lisha Lovely, an IB2 student, a compassionate leader with an unwavering commitment to community impact. As one of the three Student Representative Council (SRC) Presidents, Lisha epitomizes the values instilled by a UWC education: compassion, responsibility, and a relentless drive for positive change.

With an innate passion for visual arts, Lisha's creative spirit found purpose in an extraordinary endeavour - the creation of a ground-breaking workbook designed to revolutionize early childhood education in Eswatini. "Education is the cornerstone of empowerment," Lisha affirms, her voice resolute with determination. "I wanted to provide a tool that would engage and empower pre-school teachers and children alike."

The genesis of this transformative project sprang from Lisha's personal journey and her mother's dedication to nurturing young minds in pre-school settings. Recognizing the dearth of resources and support for early childhood education in Eswatini, Lisha embarked on a mission to bridge the gap, one workbook at a time.

Her vision crystallized into reality with the publication of a comprehensive workbook, meticulously crafted to facilitate reading and writing skills among pre-schoolers. Through meticulous research and dedication during the COVID-19 era, Lisha secured funding to print and distribute the workbook through Civics Unplugged as well as Enterprise Adventure where she applied for support.

"I wanted to create a learning experience that transcended rote memorization," Lisha explains, her eyes alight with passion. "The workbook helps to foster an interactive and engaging environment, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning Lisha Lovely going through her book. . I have made it available to pre-schools in the community that may not otherwise be able to afford learning resources like this."

But Lisha's impact extends far beyond the pages of her workbook. Leveraging her newfound platform, she established FundzaKids.com, and, through strategic partnerships with organizations like Edugate, Lisha's initiative reached even the most remote corners of Eswatini, empowering teachers with the tools they need to unlock their students' potential through workshops.

However, Lisha's journey is not without its challenges. Balancing the demands of her academic pursuits with her passion projects requires unwavering dedication and masterful time management. Yet, fuelled by her insatiable thirst for knowledge and innovation, Lisha deftly navigates these obstacles, her resolve unshakeable.

As she reflects on her journey, Lisha acknowledges the pivotal role of her UWC education in shaping her worldview and nurturing her innate curiosity. "UWC taught me the power of mutual responsibility and respect," she affirms. "It's about more than just academic excellence; it's about driving tangible change in the world around us."

Indeed, Lisha's impact reverberates far beyond the confines of the Waterford Kamhlaba community. Her tireless advocacy for inclusive education caught the attention of the Global Youth Action Fund, further amplifying her reach and impact. With the launch of an updated version of her workbook poised to coincide with the World Bank's educational initiative for pre-schoolers, Lisha's vision is on the cusp of reaching new heights.

Yet, amidst her myriad accomplishments, Lisha remains steadfast in her belief that true change begins with nurturing the innate curiosity of every child. "We need to cultivate a culture of curiosity in education," she asserts. "It's about empowering students to question, explore, and innovate."

As she continues her journey of impact and innovation, Lisha's unwavering commitment to empowering futures serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a brighter tomorrow for the children of Eswatini and beyond.

< < < Back to other Latest Stories