Siyanda entered the Siteki School for the Deaf at age 5, beginning at the pre-school and starting grade 1 in 2009. She did very well in school, and completed grade 7 in 2015.

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Siyanda is the oldest in her family, with one younger sibling. She is supported by her mother and step-father who was the main force behind her pursuing education in South Africa. Her step-father and mother are both soldiers, working for the Swazi army.

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Siyanda won medals in an athletic competition during her first year at De La Bat. The school environment has positively impacted her self-confidence and self-expression immensely. After the first semester at De La Bat, her transformation was visible in her boisterous, articulate sign. This is evidence that the right education in a caring environment can change everything.

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When Siyanda finishes high school, she would like to pursue training to become a teacher to support other Deaf children so that they too can have quality, life-changing education.

 

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